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Cambra JM, Gil MA, Cuello C, Gonzalez-Plaza A, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Klymiuk N, Martinez EA, Parrilla I. Cytokine profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells differs between embryo donor and potential recipient sows. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1333941. [PMID: 38601906 PMCID: PMC11006195 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1333941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pregnancy success relies on the establishment of a delicate immune balance that requires the early activation of a series of local and systemic immune mechanisms. The changes in the immunological profile that are normally occurring in the pregnant uterus does not take place in cyclic (non-pregnant) uterus, a fact that has been widely explored in pigs at the tissue local level. Such differences would be especially important in the context of embryo transfer (ET), where a growing body of literature indicates that immunological differences at the uterine level between donors and recipients may significantly impact embryonic mortality. However, whether components of peripheral immunity also play a role in this context remains unknown. Accordingly, our hypothesis is that the immune status of donor sows differs from potential recipients, not only at the tissue local level but also at the systemic level. These differences could contribute to the high embryonic mortality rates occurring in ET programs. Methods In this study differences in systemic immunity, based on cytokine gene expression profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), between embryo-bearing donor (DO group; N = 10) and potential recipient sows (RE group; N = 10) at Day 6 after the onset of the estrus were explored. Gene expression analysis was conducted for 6 proinflammatory (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) and 6 anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, TGF-β1, and LIF) cytokines. Results and discussion All cytokines were overexpressed in the DO group except for IL-4, suggesting that stimuli derived from the insemination and/or the resultant embryos modify the systemic immune profile in DO sows compared to RE (lacking these stimuli). Our results also suggest that certain cytokines (e.g., IL-1α and IL-1β) might have a predictive value for the pregnancy status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep M. Cambra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, Spain
- Large Animal Models in Cardiovascular Research, Internal Medical Department I, TU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria A. Gil
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alejandro Gonzalez-Plaza
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Nikolai Klymiuk
- Large Animal Models in Cardiovascular Research, Internal Medical Department I, TU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Emilio A. Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, Spain
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Oltedal A, Gaustad AH, Peltoniemi O, Björkman S, Skaare A, Oropeza-Moe M. Experiences with transvaginal Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) in sows. Theriogenology 2024; 214:157-165. [PMID: 37879285 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Transvaginal ultrasound-guided Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) is an established technique in other species. Due to several challenges, there are few publications addressing the procedure in sows. An efficient OPU technique may allow for the collection of numerous oocytes from valuable sows for porcine in vitro embryo production, gene editing and cloning programmes, or cryopreservation. We aimed to improve transvaginal OPU and equipment for this technique in sows. In experiment 1, we conducted 13 OPU sessions on three Landrace x Large White hybrid sows under general anaesthesia, while the second experiment explored OPU in non-sedated animals (N = 6) physically restrained in a commercial claw trimming chute. The experiments resulted in 6.6 ± 5.6 (mean ± SD) and 7.7 ± 8.9 recovered cumulus-oocyte complexes per session, respectively. Post-mortem examination of the pelvic and abdominal cavities of the three sows subjected to repeated OPU sessions did not reveal major acute or chronic pathological lesions. The only sow which was inseminated after the experiment delivered 16 liveborn piglets at term. Salivary cortisol levels increased during the procedure in non-sedated and physically restrained sows but returned to baseline 1 h later (n = 5), indicating a short-term stress response. The described OPU technique and equipment have the potential to retrieve considerable numbers of oocytes by repeated procedures on valuable mature sows. Follow-up studies are needed to optimize the efficiency of the aspiration of high-quality oocytes and to describe the developmental competence of these OPU-derived oocytes. It is also essential to further investigate sow welfare during and after the procedure before recommending porcine transvaginal OPU as a sustainable and welfare-friendly procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslak Oltedal
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Sandnes, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | | - Marianne Oropeza-Moe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Sandnes, Norway
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Haug LM, Jochems R, Gaustad AH, Kommisrud E, Myromslien FD, Grindflek E, Alm-Kristiansen AH. Liquid storage of porcine in vitro-produced blastocysts; a practical approach for short storage. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:441-450. [PMID: 37288532 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Commercial application of embryo transfer in pig breeding is dependent on the storage of embryos. The aim of this study was to assess the embryo quality of in vitro-produced blastocysts after 3 h liquid storage at 37°C in CO2-free medium by evaluating morphology, in vitro developmental capacity and apoptosis. Blastocysts at days 5 and 6 post-fertilization were randomly allocated to the storage group (HEPES-buffered NCSU-23 medium including bovine serum albumin in a portable embryo transport incubator at 37°C) or a control group (porcine blastocyst medium in a conventional culture incubator). Thereafter, blastocysts were evaluated for morphology and stained to assess apoptosis straight after the 3 h storage period or after a further 24 h conventional incubation. There was no significant difference between the storage and control group after 3 h storage and the further 24 h conventional incubation for any of the parameters, nor for apoptosis straight after the 3 h storage. Embryos that reached the blastocyst stage at day 5 showed less apoptosis (6.6% vs 10.9%, P = 0.01) and a trend for a higher rate of developmental capacity (70.6% vs 51.5%, P = 0.089) than embryos reaching the blastocyst stage on day 6. In conclusion, in vitro-produced porcine blastocysts can be stored for 3 h at physiological temperature in transportable incubators using a CO2-independent medium without compromising quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Marijke Haug
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | | | | | - Elisabeth Kommisrud
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
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Gonzalez-Ramiro H, Gil MA, Cuello C, Cambra JM, Gonzalez-Plaza A, Vazquez JM, Vazquez JL, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Lucas-Sanchez A, Parrilla I, Martinez CA, Martinez EA. The Use of a Brief Synchronization Treatment after Weaning, Combined with Superovulation, Has Moderate Effects on the Gene Expression of Surviving Pig Blastocysts. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13091568. [PMID: 37174605 PMCID: PMC10177444 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The combination of estrus synchronization and superovulation (SS) treatments causes alterations in ovarian and endometrial gene expression patterns, resulting in abnormal follicle and oocyte growth, fertilization, and embryo development. However, the impact of combined SS treatments on the transcriptome of the surviving embryos remains unidentified. In this study, we examined gene expression changes in day 6 blastocysts that survived a brief regimen of synchronization treatment combined with superovulation. The sows were included in one of three groups: SS7 group (n = 6), sows were administered Altrenogest (ALT) 7 days from the day of weaning and superovulated with eCG 24 h after the end of ALT treatment and hCG at the onset of estrus; SO group (n = 6), ALT nontreated sows were superovulated with eCG 24 h postweaning and hCG at the onset of estrus; control group (n = 6), weaned sows displaying natural estrus. Six days after insemination, the sows underwent a surgical intervention for embryo collection. Transcriptome analysis was performed on blastocyst-stage embryos with good morphology. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between groups were detected using one-way ANOVA with an un-adjusted p-value < 0.05 and a fold change </> 1.5. The effect of SO treatment on the number of altered pathways and DEGs within each pathway was minimal. Only four pathways were disrupted comprising only a total of four altered transcripts, which were not related to reproductive functions or embryonic development. On the other hand, the surviving blastocysts subjected to SS7 treatments exhibited moderate gene expression changes in terms of DEGs and fold changes, with seven pathways disrupted containing a total of 10 transcripts affected. In this case, the up-regulation of certain pathways, such as the metabolic pathway, with two up-regulated genes associated with reproductive functions, namely RDH10 and SPTLC2, may suggest suboptimal embryo quality, while the down-regulation of others, such as the glutathione metabolism pathway, with down-regulated genes related to cellular detoxification of reactive oxygen species, namely GSTK1 and GSTO1, could depress the embryos' response to oxidative stress, thereby impairing subsequent embryo development. The gene expression changes observed in the present study in SS7 embryos, along with previous reports indicating SS7 can negatively affect fertilization, embryo production, and reproductive tract gene expression, make its use in embryo transfer programs unrecommendable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henar Gonzalez-Ramiro
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Department of Research and Development, Grupo Agropor I+D+I, AIE, 30565 Murcia, Spain
| | - Maria A Gil
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Josep M Cambra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Alejandro Gonzalez-Plaza
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan M Vazquez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Jose L Vazquez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina A Martinez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilio A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, 30120 Murcia, Spain
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Marco-Jiménez F, Garcia-Dominguez X, García-Valero L, Vicente JS. A 3D-Printed Large Holding Capacity Device for Minimum Volume Cooling Vitrification of Embryos in Prolific Livestock Species. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050791. [PMID: 36899646 PMCID: PMC10000242 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although many devices have been developed to reduce sample volume, with an explosion of methods appearing in the literature over the last decade, commercially available devices with simultaneous vitrification of a larger number of embryos are scarce, with the apparent gap for their use in prolific livestock species. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of a new three-dimensional (3D)-printed device that combines minimum volume cooling vitrification with simultaneous vitrification of a larger number of rabbit embryos. Late morulae/early blastocysts were vitrified with the open Cryoeyelet® device (n = 175; 25 embryos per device), the open Cryotop® device (n = 175; 10 embryos per device), and the traditional closed French mini-straw device (n = 125; 25 embryos per straw) and compared in terms of in vitro development and reproductive performance after transfer to adoptive mothers. Fresh embryos constituted the control group (n = 125). In experiment 1, there was no difference in the development rate to the blastocyst hatching stage between the CryoEyelet® and the other devices. In experiment 2, the CryoEyelet® device showed a higher implantation rate compared with the Cryotop® (6.3% unit of SD, p = 0.87) and French mini-straw® (16.8% unit of SD, p = 1.00) devices. In terms of offspring rate, the CryoEyelet® device was similar to the Cryotop® device but superior to the French straw device. Regarding embryonic and fetal losses, the CryoEyelet® showed lower embryonic losses compared to other vitrification devices. The analysis of bodyweight showed that all devices showed a similar outcomes-a higher birthweight but a lower body weight at puberty than those in the fresh transfer embryos group. In summary, the CryoEyelet® device can be used for the vitrification of many late morulae or early blastocyst stage rabbit embryos per device. Further studies should be performed to evaluate the CryoEyelet® device in other polytocous species for the simultaneous vitrification of a large number of embryos.
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Wiesak T, Goryszewska-Szczurek E. Effect of vitrification on the expression of genes in porcine blastocysts derived from in vitro matured oocytes. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:239-246. [PMID: 35722676 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2072788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the effect of vitrification on the expression of genes that are crucial for porcine early embryo development; cathepsin B (CTSB), growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), caudal type homeobox 2 (CDX2), and OCT-4, which play an important role in the maintenance of embryonic cell pluripotency. Their gene expression was investigated in expanded blastocysts (day 6-7) derived from in vitro matured oocytes. The quantitative real-time PCR method was used to assess the amount of relative specific transcripts in 20 vitrified (treatment group) and 32 fresh non-vitrified (control group) blastocysts. Vitrification was performed using 7.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) plus 7.5% ethylene glycol (EG), and in the final step, 15% DMSO plus 15% EG and a 0.5 M sucrose solution and cryotop as a vitrification device. The blastocysts were warmed in 1 M, 0.5 M, and 0.25 M sucrose solution and kept in a culture medium for six hours before their fixation and further qPCR analysis. A significant upregulation in the targeted genes CTSB (p<.006), GDF9 (p<.04), and CDX2 (p<.003) was observed in the vitrified embryos compared to the fresh control group. Interestingly, the OCT-4 mRNA expression level was not affected by vitrification and remained comparable to that of the fresh non-vitrified embryos. In summary, the results of this pilot study showed, that vitrification induced substantial alteration in the expression of CTSB, GDF9, and CDX2 genes but did not influence the expression of OCT-4 gene in porcine in vitro derived blastocysts. Our data on the expression of developmentally important genes in vitrified porcine blastocyst may facilitate: (1) future improvements in culture conditions and/or cryopreservation protocol and (2) understanding the mechanism(s) of cryoinjuries inducing compromised post-thaw embryo development followed by the poor pregnancy outcome after blastocyst transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Wiesak
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ewelina Goryszewska-Szczurek
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
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Martinez CA, Rodriguez‐Martinez H. Context is key: Maternal immune responses to pig allogeneic embryos. Mol Reprod Dev 2022. [PMCID: PMC9542102 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Successful establishment of pregnancy includes the achievement of a state of immune tolerance toward the embryos (and placenta), where the well‐coordinated maternal immune system is capable of recognizing conceptus antigens while maintaining maternal defense against pathogens. In physiological pregnancies, following natural mating or artificial insemination (AI), the maternal immune system is exposed to the presence of hemi‐allogeneic embryos, that is, embryos containing maternal self‐antigens and foreign antigens from the paternal side. In this scenario, the hemi‐allogeneic embryo is recognized by the mother, but the immune system is locally modified to facilitate embryo implantation and pregnancy progression. Pig allogeneic pregnancies (with embryos containing both paternal and maternal material foreign to the recipient female), occur during embryo transfer (ET), with conspicuously high rates of embryonic death. Mortality mainly occurs during the peri‐attachment phase, suggesting that immune responses to allogeneic embryos are more complex and less efficient, hindering the conceptuses to survive to term. Reaching a similar maternal tolerance as in conventional breeding would render ET successful. The present review critically summarizes mechanisms of maternal immune recognition of pregnancy and factors associated with impaired maternal immune response to the presence of allogeneic embryos in the porcine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina A. Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez‐Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden
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Lin Q, Le QA, Takebayashi K, Hirata M, Tanihara F, Sawamoto O, Kikuchi T, Otoi T. Short-term preservation of porcine zygotes at ambient temperature using a chemically defined medium. Anim Sci J 2022; 93:e13711. [PMID: 35373427 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to develop a simple method for the short-term preservation of in vitro-produced porcine zygotes at 25°C for up to 2 days. Firstly, we evaluated the efficiency of three storage solutions to preserve porcine zygotes at 25°C for 24 h. Two of these were commercially available defined media for cell storage (Cell-W and Cell-S), and the third was fetal bovine serum (FBS). Thereafter, we examined the effects of storing the zygotes in the Cell-W solution for 24-72 h at 25°C. The Cell-W solution was the most efficient for 24 h storage of porcine zygotes at 25°C, with no apparent effects on blastocyst quality. However, short-term storage of porcine zygotes for 24 h reduced the blastocyst formation rate compared with the fresh control group. As storage duration increased from 24 to 48 or 72 h, blastocyst formation rates were significantly decreased from 11.3% to 4.4% and 0%, respectively. In conclusion, during zygote storage, the developmental competence to the blastocyst stage decreased with time. Storage of zygotes in chemically defined media did not affect blastocyst quality, but the storage in 100% serum had an adverse effect on developing embryos causing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyi Lin
- Bio-Innovation Research Center, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan.,Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Quynh Anh Le
- Bio-Innovation Research Center, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan.,Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Koki Takebayashi
- Bio-Innovation Research Center, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan.,Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Maki Hirata
- Bio-Innovation Research Center, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan.,Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Fuminori Tanihara
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Osamu Sawamoto
- Research and Development Center, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Inc., Tokushima, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kikuchi
- Research and Development Center, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Inc., Tokushima, Japan
| | - Takeshige Otoi
- Bio-Innovation Research Center, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan.,Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
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Almiñana C, Dubuisson F, Bauersachs S, Royer E, Mermillod P, Blesbois E, Guignot F. Unveiling how vitrification affects the porcine blastocyst: clues from a transcriptomic study. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:46. [PMID: 35303969 PMCID: PMC8932223 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-021-00672-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Currently, there is a high demand for efficient pig embryo cryopreservation procedures in the porcine industry as well as for genetic diversity preservation and research purposes. To date, vitrification (VIT) is the most efficient method for pig embryo cryopreservation. Despite a high number of embryos survives in vitro after vitrification/warming procedures, the in vivo embryo survival rates after embryo transfer are variable among laboratories. So far, most studies have focused on cryoprotective agents and devices, while the VIT effects on porcine embryonic gene expression remained unclear. The few studies performed were based on vitrified/warmed embryos that were cultured in vitro (IVC) to allow them to re–expand. Thus, the specific alterations of VIT, IVC, and the cumulative effect of both remained unknown. To unveil the VIT-specific embryonic alterations, gene expression in VIT versus (vs.) IVC embryos was analyzed. Additionally, changes derived from both VIT and IVC vs. control embryos (CO) were analyzed to confirm the VIT embryonic alterations. Three groups of in vivo embryos at the blastocyst stage were analyzed by RNA–sequencing: (1) VIT embryos (vitrified/warmed and cultured in vitro), (2) IVC embryos and (3) CO embryos. Results RNA–sequencing revealed three clearly different mRNA profiles for VIT, IVC and CO embryos. Comparative analysis of mRNA profiles between VIT and IVC identified 321, differentially expressed genes (DEG) (FDR < 0.006). In VIT vs. CO and IVC vs. CO, 1901 and 1519 DEG were found, respectively, with an overlap of 1045 genes. VIT-specific functional alterations were associated to response to osmotic stress, response to hormones, and developmental growth. While alterations in response to hypoxia and mitophagy were related to the sum of VIT and IVC effects. Conclusions Our findings revealed new insights into the VIT procedure-specific alterations of embryonic gene expression by first comparing differences in VIT vs. IVC embryos and second by an integrative transcriptome analysis including in vivo control embryos. The identified VIT alterations might reflect the transcriptional signature of the embryo cryodamage but also the embryo healing process overcoming the VIT impacts. Selected validated genes were pointed as potential biomarkers that may help to improve vitrification. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-021-00672-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Almiñana
- UMR PRC, INRAE 0085, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, F, -37380, Nouzilly, France. .,Functional Genomics Group, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, VetSuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - F Dubuisson
- UMR PRC, INRAE 0085, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, F, -37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - S Bauersachs
- Functional Genomics Group, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, VetSuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - E Royer
- UEPAO, INRAE, F, -37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - P Mermillod
- UMR PRC, INRAE 0085, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, F, -37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - E Blesbois
- UMR PRC, INRAE 0085, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, F, -37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - F Guignot
- UMR PRC, INRAE 0085, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, F, -37380, Nouzilly, France
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Gonzalez-Ramiro H, Cuello C, Cambra JM, Gonzalez-Plaza A, Vazquez JM, Vazquez JL, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Gil MA, Lucas-Sanchez A, Parrilla I, Martinez EA. A Short-Term Altrenogest Treatment Post-weaning Followed by Superovulation Reduces Pregnancy Rates and Embryo Production Efficiency in Multiparous Sows. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:771573. [PMID: 34869743 PMCID: PMC8637542 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.771573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although embryo transfer (ET) is a biotechnology ready for the swine industry, there are factors to be solved, the availability of embryo donors as one. Multiparous sows as donors ought to be considered since weaning is a natural and efficient method for estrus synchronization. In addition, superovulation treatments at weaning are effective in increasing the efficiency of donor embryo production. However, ET programs typically require more donors than those available from a single weaning, imposing grouping several weanings to establish a batch for ET. Since short-term administration of Altrenogest is effective in delaying estrus after weaning without effects on ovulation and embryo development, we investigated how Altrenogest combined with superovulation would affect reproductive parameters and embryo quality and quantity of weaned multiparous donor sows. The sows were administered Altrenogest from the day of weaning for 14 (SS-14 group; N = 26), 7 (SS-7 group; N = 31) and 4 (SS-4 group; N = 32) days. The sows were superovulated with eCG 24 h after the last administration of Altrenogest and with hCG at the onset of estrus. Sows not treated with Altrenogest that were superovulated with eCG 24 h post-weaning and hCG at the onset of estrus (SC group; N = 37) and sows with natural estrus after weaning (C group; N = 34) were used as control groups. The percentage of sows showing estrus within 10 days was not affected by the treatment, but the interval from Altrenogest withdrawal to estrus was longer (P < 0.05) in the SS groups than the interval from weaning to estrus in the controls. SS treatments increased (P < 0.05) the percentage of sows with ovarian cysts and the development of polycystic ovaries. The pregnancy and the fertilization rates, and the overall embryo production efficiency were also negatively affected by the SS treatments (P < 0.05). Interestingly, almost 70% of the structures classified as unfertilized oocytes or degenerated embryos in sows from the SS groups were immature oocytes. In conclusion, although superovulation of weaned sows was highly efficient, short-term administration of Altrenogest in combination with superovulation had negative effects on most of the reproductive parameters assessed, particularly affecting the overall efficiency of pregnancy and embryo production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henar Gonzalez-Ramiro
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Department of Research and Development, Grupo Agropor I+D+I, AIE, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Josep M Cambra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alejandro Gonzalez-Plaza
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan M Vazquez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jose L Vazquez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Maria A Gil
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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11
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Cuello C, Martinez CA, Cambra JM, González-Plaza A, Parrilla I, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Gil MA, Martinez EA. Vitrification Effects on the Transcriptome of in vivo-Derived Porcine Morulae. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:771996. [PMID: 34869745 PMCID: PMC8633305 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.771996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the reported promising farrowing rates after non-surgical and surgical transfers of vitrified porcine morulae and blastocysts produced in vivo (range: 70–75%), the pregnancy loss is 5–15 fold higher with vitrified than with fresh embryos. The present study aimed to investigate whether vitrification affects the transcriptome of porcine morulae, using microarrays and RT-qPCR validation. Morulae were obtained surgically from weaned sows (n = 13) on day 6 (day 0 = estrus onset). A total of 60 morulae were vitrified (treatment group). After 1 week of storage, the vitrified morulae were warmed. Vitrified-warmed and non-vitrified fresh morulae (control; n = 40) were cultured for 24 h to assess embryo survival by stereomicroscopy after. A total of 30 vitrified/warmed embryos that were deemed viable and 30 fresh control embryos (three pools of 10 for each experimental group) were selected for microarray analysis. Gene expression was assessed with a GeneChip® Porcine Genome Array (Affymetrix). An ANOVA analysis p-unadjusted <0.05 and a fold change cut-off of ±1.5 were set to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Data analysis and biological interpretation were performed using the Partek Genomic Suite 7.0 software. The survival rate of morulae after vitrification and warming (92.0 ± 8.3%) was similar to that of the control (100%). A total of 233 DEGs were identified in vitrified morulae (38 upregulated and 195 downregulated), compared to the control group. Nine pathways were significantly modified. Go-enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly related to the Biological Process functional group. Up-regulated DEGs were involved in glycosaminoglycan degradation, metabolic pathways and tryptophan metabolism KEGG pathways. The pathways related to the down-regulated DEGs were glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, protein export and fatty acid elongation. The disruption of metabolic pathways in morulae could be related to impaired embryo quality and developmental potential, despite the relatively high survival rates after warming observed in vitro. In conclusion, vitrification altered the gene expression pattern of porcine morulae produced in vivo, generating alterations in the transcriptome that may interfere with subsequent embryo development and pregnancy after embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Cuello
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum," Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina A Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Josep M Cambra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum," Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alejandro González-Plaza
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum," Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum," Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Maria A Gil
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum," Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum," Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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12
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Hirayama Y, Misumi K, Yoshioka K, Noguchi M, Kikuchi K. Induction of short-term pseudopregnancy in gilts by the administration of estradiol benzoate or estradiol dipropionate to achieve ovulatory synchronization for embryo collection. Anim Sci J 2021; 92:e13480. [PMID: 33543586 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A study was conducted to investigate whether ovulation in gilts could be synchronized for embryo collection by the administration of estradiol benzoate (EB) or estradiol dipropionate (EDP) to induce pseudopregnancy, followed by the treatment with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α ) on 10 days after. Ten gilts each received a total of 20 mg of EB or EDP on Day 10 or EB on Day 10 and 14 to induce pseudopregnancy (Day 0 = onset of estrus). Donors received PGF2α 10 or 15 days (as a control) after the first administration of estrogens and subsequently eCG and hCG, and were then inseminated artificially. The embryos were collected 7 days after the administration of hCG, and assessed for embryo yield and their developmental stages. All protocols resulted in good embryo yield (9.8-13.2 embryos in average), and the embryos showed average ability to develop to the expanded blastocyst stage (3.29-4.03 as developmental scores) without any significant differences among the protocols. These results suggest that the administration of PGF2α 10 days after the treatment of gilts with EB or EDP would allow synchronization of ovulation and embryo collection, as well as shortening the period from estrus detection to embryo collection, thus improving embryo collection efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Hirayama
- Department of Planning and Coordination, National Livestock Breeding Center, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Koji Misumi
- Department of Planning and Coordination, National Livestock Breeding Center, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Koji Yoshioka
- Division of Pathology and Pathophysiology, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Michiko Noguchi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kikuchi
- Division of Animal Sciences, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO, Ibaraki, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
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13
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Xingzhu D, Qingrui Z, Keren C, Yuxi L, Yunpeng H, Shien Z, Xiangwei F. Cryopreservation of Porcine Embryos: Recent Updates and Progress. Biopreserv Biobank 2021; 19:210-218. [PMID: 33625892 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2020.0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of embryos is important for long-distance embryo transfer and conservation of genetic resources. Porcine research is important for animal husbandry and biomedical research. However, porcine embryos are difficult to cryopreserve because of their high cytoplasmic lipid content and sensitivity to chilling stress. Vitrification is more efficient than slow freezing, and vitrification is mostly used in embryo cryopreservation. So far, the vitrification process of porcine embryos has been continuously improved, resulting in improved survival rates of warmed embryos and farrowing rates after the transplant procedure. It is worth noting that automatic vitrification has made great progress, which is expected to promote the standardization and application of vitrification. In this article, the vitrification process of porcine embryos at the blastula stage and early development stages is reviewed in detail. In addition, the efficiency of different vitrification systems was compared. In addition, we summarize technology that can improve the survival rate of cryopreserved porcine embryos, such as delipidation methods (including physical delipidation and chemical delipidation) and medium improvements (including chemically defined media and adding antioxidants). Meanwhile, gene expression changes during cryopreservation are also elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du Xingzhu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuan Qingrui
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Keren
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Luo Yuxi
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hou Yunpeng
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhu Shien
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Fu Xiangwei
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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14
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Martinez CA, Cambra JM, Lucas X, Ferreira-Dias G, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Gil MA, Martinez EA, Cuello C, Parrilla I. Intrauterine Infusion of TGF-β1 Prior to Insemination, Alike Seminal Plasma, Influences Endometrial Cytokine Responses but Does Not Impact the Timing of the Progression of Pre-Implantation Pig Embryo Development. Biology (Basel) 2021; 10:159. [PMID: 33671276 DOI: 10.3390/biology10020159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) in the female genital tract induces changes that affect multiple reproductive processes. One of the active components in SP is the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), which has major roles in embryo development and pregnancy. Embryo transfer (ET) technology is welcomed by the pig industry provided that embryo quality at embryo collection as well as the fertility and prolificacy of the recipients after the ET is increased. This study evaluated different intrauterine infusion treatments at estrus (40 mL of SP, TGF-β1 cytokine in the extender, or the extender alone (control)) by mimicking an ET scenario in so-called "donor" (inseminated) and "recipient" (uninseminated) sows. On day 6 (day 0-onset of estrus), all "donors" were laparotomized to determine their pregnancy status (presence and developmental stage of the embryos). In addition, endometrial explants were collected from pregnant "donors" and cyclic "recipients," incubated for 24 h, and analyzed for cytokine production. SP infusions (unlike TGF-β1 infusions) positively influenced the developmental stage of day 6 embryos. Infusion treatments differentially influenced the endometrial cytokine production, mainly in donors. We concluded that SP infusions prior to AI not only impacted the porcine preimplantation embryo development but also influenced the endometrial cytokine production six days after treatment, both in donors and recipients.
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15
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Cuello C, Martinez CA, Cambra JM, Parrilla I, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Gil MA, Martinez EA. Effects of Vitrification on the Blastocyst Gene Expression Profile in a Porcine Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031222. [PMID: 33513717 PMCID: PMC7865857 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the impact of vitrification on the transcriptome profile of blastocysts using a porcine (Sus scrofa) model and a microarray approach. Blastocysts were collected from weaned sows (n = 13). A total of 60 blastocysts were vitrified (treatment group). After warming, vitrified embryos were cultured in vitro for 24 h. Non-vitrified blastocysts (n = 40) were used as controls. After the in vitro culture period, the embryo viability was morphologically assessed. A total of 30 viable embryos per group (three pools of 10 from 4 different donors each) were subjected to gene expression analysis. A fold change cut-off of ±1.5 and a restrictive threshold at p-value < 0.05 were used to distinguish differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The survival rates of vitrified/warmed blastocysts were similar to those of the control (nearly 100%, n.s.). A total of 205 (112 upregulated and 93 downregulated) were identified in the vitrified blastocysts compared to the control group. The vitrification/warming impact was moderate, and it was mainly related to the pathways of cell cycle, cellular senescence, gap junction, and signaling for TFGβ, p53, Fox, and MAPK. In conclusion, vitrification modified the transcriptome of in vivo-derived porcine blastocysts, resulting in minor gene expression changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Cuello
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Cam-pus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (C.C.); (J.M.C.); (I.P.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Bue-navista s/n, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina A. Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden;
- Correspondence:
| | - Josep M. Cambra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Cam-pus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (C.C.); (J.M.C.); (I.P.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Bue-navista s/n, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Cam-pus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (C.C.); (J.M.C.); (I.P.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Bue-navista s/n, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Maria A. Gil
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Cam-pus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (C.C.); (J.M.C.); (I.P.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Bue-navista s/n, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A. Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Cam-pus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (C.C.); (J.M.C.); (I.P.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Bue-navista s/n, 30120 Murcia, Spain
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16
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Parrilla I, Martinez CA, Cambra JM, Lucas X, Ferreira-Dias G, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Cuello C, Gil MA, Martinez EA. Blastocyst-Bearing Sows Display a Dominant Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Profile Compared to Cyclic Sows at Day 6 of the Cycle. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112028. [PMID: 33158034 PMCID: PMC7692685 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A proper uterine environment is basic for obtaining optimal embryo transfer outputs in domestic species, including the pig. However, scarce information is available about the uterine immune response of recipient (uninseminated) sows when receiving embryos during embryo transfer. Endometrial cytokine profile is among the main factors regulating uterine receptivity to embryos. In this study, using Luminex MAP® technology, we found important differences in the endometrial production in most of the 16 cytokines analyzed between recipient sows and embryo-bearing (inseminated) sows six days after estrus, with a predominant cytokine anti-inflammatory environment in the embryo-bearing endometria. These observations suggest that insemination components and/or early embryos induce an endometrium immune-tolerant cytokine profile at Day 6 of the cycle. The findings could contribute importantly to design strategies to maximize the reproductive performance of recipients after embryo transfer in swine. Abstract In the context of porcine embryo transfer (ET) technology, understanding the tightly regulated local uterine immune environment is crucial to achieve an adequate interaction between the transferred embryos and the receiving endometrium. However, information is limited on the uterine immune status of cyclic-recipient sows when receiving embryos during ET. The present study postulated that the anti- and proinflammatory cytokine profile 6 days after the onset of estrus differs between endometria from uninseminated cyclic sows and blastocyst-bearing sows. On Day 6 of the cycle, endometrial explants were collected from sows inseminated or not inseminated during the postweaning estrus and cultured for 22 h. The culture medium was then analyzed for the contents of a total of 16 cytokines using Luminex MAP® technology. The results showed important differences in the endometrial production of most cytokines between the sow categories, with a predominant anti-inflammatory environment displayed by the blastocyst-bearing endometria. These findings suggest that sperm, seminal plasma (SP) and/or early embryos modify the uterine environment by inducing an immune-tolerant cytokine profile already visible at Day 6. Whether the SP or some of its active components may help to develop strategies to maximize the reproductive performance of recipients after ET needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Parrilla
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (C.A.M.)
| | - Cristina A. Martinez
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden;
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (C.A.M.)
| | - Josep M. Cambra
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Xiomara Lucas
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Graça Ferreira-Dias
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Maria A. Gil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A. Martinez
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
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17
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Uchikura K, Yamamoto R, Tajima S, Suzuki M, Sagara A, Kurita T. Porcine embryo collection using single subcutaneous administration of follicle-stimulating hormone in a large volume of saline. J Reprod Dev 2020; 66:189-192. [PMID: 31941843 PMCID: PMC7175388 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2019-101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of a single subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on follicular growth and expression of estrous behavior and its single subcutaneous administration on the number of corpora lutea (CL) and embryos were investigated in pigs. All four sows that were subcutaneously administered 5 AU FSH expressed normal estrus and had no ovarian cysts. Two of the four sows that were administered 5 AU FSH intramuscularly did not exhibit estrus, and another sow had a short estrus period. All four sows had ovarian cysts. The mean numbers of CL, embryos, and blastocysts following the subcutaneous administration of 5 AU FSH (16.8, 16.0, and 13.8, respectively) did not differ significantly from those for the control animals treated intramuscularly with 1000 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (18.5, 16.5, and 14.3, respectively). In conclusion, embryo recovery was possible using a single subcutaneous administration of FSH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenzo Uchikura
- Department of Animal Science, Aichi Agricultural Research Center, Aichi 480-1193, Japan
| | - Rumiko Yamamoto
- Department of Animal Science, Aichi Agricultural School, Aichi 444-0802, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Tajima
- Department of Animal Science, Aichi Agricultural Research Center, Aichi 480-1193, Japan
| | - Masahiro Suzuki
- Department of Breeding Stock, Aichi Livestock and Poultry Breeding Center, Aichi 444-0006, Japan
| | - Ayumi Sagara
- Department of Animal Science, Aichi Agricultural Research Center, Aichi 480-1193, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kurita
- Department of Animal Science, Aichi Agricultural Research Center, Aichi 480-1193, Japan
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18
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Martinez EA, Martinez CA, Cambra JM, Maside C, Lucas X, Vazquez JL, Vazquez JM, Roca J, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Gil MA, Parrilla I, Cuello C. Achievements and future perspectives of embryo transfer technology in pigs. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 54 Suppl 4:4-13. [PMID: 31625238 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Commercial embryo transfer (ET) has unprecedented productive and economic implications for the pig sector. However, pig ET has been considered utopian for decades mainly because of the requirements of surgical techniques for embryo collection and embryo deposition into recipients, alongside challenges to preserve embryos. This situation has drastically changed in the last decade since the current technology allows non-surgical ET and short- and long-term embryo preservation. Here, we provide a brief review of the improvements in porcine ET achieved by our laboratory in the past 20 years. This review includes several aspects of non-surgical ET technology and different issues affecting ET programmes and embryo preservation systems. The future perspectives of ET technology are also considered. We will refer only to embryos produced in vivo since they are the only type of embryos with possible short-term use in pig production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine (IKE), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Josep M Cambra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carolina Maside
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Xiomara Lucas
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jose L Vazquez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan Maria Vazquez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Maria Antonia Gil
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
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19
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Ohlweiler LU, Mezzalira JC, Mezzalira A. Porcine IVF embryo development and estrogen receptors are influenced by the concentration of percoll gradients during sperm selection. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 87:135-141. [PMID: 31691431 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of three different concentrations of discontinuous gradients of percoll (90/45, 80/40, and 70/35) in the outcome of porcine in vitro fertilization (IVF) and its influence on further embryo development and quality. Embryo viability was assessed by the expression of estrogen receptors (E2 R) and cleaved caspase-3 (CC3). The highest percoll concentration (90/45) resulted in the lowest embryo production (24.9%) in comparison with 80/40 (37.5%) and 70/35 (40.0%), with the production being similar between the two lowest concentrations. The hatching rate for 90/45 (26.2%) was lower than for 80/40 (45.5%), and both were similar to the Group 70/35 (32.9%). The hatched embryos from the concentration 90/45 showed the lowest proportion of E2 R expression (3.6%), while the Groups 80/40 (22.6%) and 70/35 (39.3%) had a similar proportion of expression. The live embryos that did not hatch until Day 8 of culture presented a higher CC3 proportion for Group 90/45 (18.3%), in comparison with 80/40 (12.7%) and 70/35 (10.7%), with the latter two being similar. In conclusion, adjustments in percoll concentration used for sperm selection before porcine IVF can improve embryo production and competence for pregnancy recognition and establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lain U Ohlweiler
- Laboratório de Reprodução Animal prof. Assis Roberto de Bem, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina-CAV/UDESC, Lages, SC, Brazil
| | - Joana C Mezzalira
- Laboratório de Reprodução Animal prof. Assis Roberto de Bem, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina-CAV/UDESC, Lages, SC, Brazil
| | - Alceu Mezzalira
- Laboratório de Reprodução Animal prof. Assis Roberto de Bem, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina-CAV/UDESC, Lages, SC, Brazil
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20
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Yoshioka K, Uchikura K, Suda T, Matoba S. Production of piglets from in vitro-produced blastocysts by ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up from live donors. Theriogenology 2019; 141:113-119. [PMID: 31536860 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this research was to develop a system for piglet production by transvaginal ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up (OPU), in vitro production (IVP) of embryos and embryo transfer. First, to establish a culture system for a small number of oocytes or embryos, we evaluated the effect of different incubation volumes and culture densities on fertilizing ability and developmental competence in vitro. Porcine oocytes derived from slaughterhouse ovaries were matured, fertilized and then cultured in vitro in groups as follows: 50 oocytes in 500 μL medium for IVM, 20 oocytes in 100 μL medium for IVF and 20 embryos in 40 μL medium for IVC (Group I); 20 in 100 μL for IVM, 20 in 100 μL for IVF and 20 in 40 μL for IVC (Group II); and 10 in 100 μL for IVM, 10 in 100 μL for IVF and 10 in 40 μL for IVC (Group III). Percentages of sperm penetration, cleavage and blastocyst formation did not differ among the groups. Second, to increase the collection efficiency of porcine oocytes by transvaginal ultrasound-guided OPU, the effects of aspiration pressure on follicular oocyte collection were assessed. Oocytes were aspirated from ovaries of live sows using 80 or 100 mmHg. The recovered oocytes were divided into four categories according to the surrounding cumulus cells and quality of oocytes. The number of oocytes recovered using 100 mmHg pressure was significantly higher than with 80 mmHg pressure. However, there were no significant differences in the population of oocytes grouped by the morphological criteria, number of blastocysts per session and the total cell number in blastocysts between the two vacuum pressures. Finally, 81 oocytes obtained by OPU from five donor sows were subjected to IVP and 47 transferable embryos (9.4 ± 4.0 [mean ± SD] morulae/blastocysts per session) were obtained at 5 days after IVF. When they were transferred into five recipient gilts (5-16 embryos per recipient), three of five recipients became pregnant and farrowed a total of 12 live piglets. The present results demonstrate that porcine blastocysts can be produced by OPU-IVP and develop to full term after embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Yoshioka
- National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0856, Japan.
| | - Kenzo Uchikura
- Aichi Agricultural Research Center, 1-1 Yazakosagamine, Nagakute, Aichi, 480-1193, Japan
| | - Tomoko Suda
- National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0856, Japan
| | - Satoko Matoba
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 2 Ikenodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0901, Japan
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21
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Martinez CA, Cambra JM, Nohalez A, Parrilla I, Sanchez-Osorio J, Roca J, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Gil MA, Martinez EA, Cuello C. Porcine blastocyst viability and developmental potential is maintained for 48 h of liquid storage at 25 °C without CO 2 gassing. Theriogenology 2019; 135:46-55. [PMID: 31200096 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Short- and medium-term storage of pig embryos has become relevant for commercial application of non-surgical deep uterine embryo transfer (NsDU-ET) in the light of the strict legal and administrative requirements posed by the International Association for Air Transport (IATA) to allow shipment of liquid nitrogen (LN2) containers and the technical drawbacks when using vitrified embryos. Therefore, this study developed an efficient method for the liquid storage of in vivo-derived porcine blastocysts for a moderate duration (48 h) without controlled CO2 gassing. We evaluated two storage temperatures (25 °C and 37 °C) and three HEPES-supplemented media: the chemically defined media TL-PVA and NCSU-PVA and the semi-defined medium NCSU-BSA. We observed no differences in survival, hatching rate or final developmental stage between the two temperatures, but storage at 25 °C was more efficient to preserve zona pellucida (ZP) integrity. Blastocysts were successfully stored for 24 h in a chemically defined medium. Yet, only 48 h storage in NCSU-BSA medium supported blastocyst development. Although all storage conditions resulted in an embryonic developmental delay, blastocysts stored in NCSU-BSA at either tested temperature could hatch and attain the same final developmental stage as control blastocysts when cultured under standard conditions after storage. Moreover, blastocysts stored at 25 °C for 48 h in NCSU-BSA medium could produce pregnancies after surgical transfer. In conclusion, porcine blastocysts maintain their viability and developmental potential after storage in the semi-defined medium NCSU-BSA for at least 48 h at 25 °C.
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22
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Sprícigo J, Leme L, Guimarães A, Oliveira Neto J, Silva P, Moreira N, Pivato I, Silva B, Ramos A, Dode M. Phospholipid composition and resistance to vitrification of in vivo blastocyst of a Brazilian naturalized porcine breed. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-10249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Piau porcine blastocysts were submitted to MALDI-TOF to identify the main phospholipids (PL). After that, in vivo blastocysts (D6) were vitrified (n=52), non-vitrified were used as control (n=42). After warming, blastocysts were in vitro cultured to assess re-expansion and hatching at 24 and 48 hours. Finally, at 48 hours, hatched blastocysts were submitted to RT-qPCR searching for BCL2A1, BAK, BAX and CASP3 genes. For MALDI-TOF, the ion intensity was expressed in arbitrary units. Blastocyst development was compared by Qui-square (P< 0.05). Among the most representative PL was the phosphatidylcholine [PC (32:0) + H]+; [PC (34:1) + H]+ and [PC (36:4) + H]+. Beyond the PL, MALDI revealed some triglycerides (TG), including PPL (50:2) + Na+, PPO (50:1) + Na+, PLO (52:3) + Na+ and POO (52:2) + Na. Re-expansion did not differ (P> 0.05) between fresh or vitrified blastocysts at 24 (33.3%; 32.7%) or 48 hours (2.4%; 13.5%). Hatching rates were higher (P< 0.05) for fresh compared to vitrified at 24 (66.7%; 15.4%) and 48 hours (97.6%; 36.0%). BAX was overexpressed (P< 0.05) after vitrification. In conclusion, Piau blastocysts can be cryopreserved by Cryotop. This study also demonstrated that the apoptotic pathway may be responsible for the low efficiency of porcine embryo cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J.F.W. Sprícigo
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brazil; University of Guelph, Canada
| | - L.O. Leme
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - B.D.M. Silva
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brazil
| | - A.F. Ramos
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brazil
| | - M.A.N. Dode
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brazil
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23
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Martinez CA, Cambra JM, Nohalez A, Parrilla I, Roca J, Vazquez JL, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Gil MA, Martinez EA, Cuello C. Prevention of hatching of porcine morulae and blastocysts by liquid storage at 20 °C. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6219. [PMID: 30996298 PMCID: PMC6470143 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42712-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitrification is the ideal method for long-lasting storage of porcine embryos. However, both strict airline regulations for transport of liquid nitrogen dewars and the technical problems experienced when vitrified embryos are transferred using non-surgical procedures have led to the introduction of alternative storage methods, such as preserving embryos in liquid state. This study evaluated whether a pH-stable medium containing high concentrations of either foetal calf serum (FCS; 50%) or BSA (4%) combined with storage at temperatures of 17 °C or 20 °C maintained in vivo-derived morulae and blastocysts alive and unhatched (a sanitary requirement for embryo transportation) during 72 h of storage. Neither FCS nor BSA supplements were able to counteract the negative effect of low temperatures (17 °C) on embryonic survival after storage. At 20 °C, the protective effect of FCS or BSA depended on embryo stage. While FCS successfully arrested embryo development of only blastocysts, BSA arrested the development of both morulae and blastocysts. Over 80% of BSA arrested embryos restarted development by conventional culture and progressed to further embryonic stages, including hatching. In conclusion, porcine morulae and blastocysts can survive and remain unhatched during at least 72 h when stored at 20 °C in a BSA-containing medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Josep M Cambra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alicia Nohalez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jose L Vazquez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Maria A Gil
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
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24
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Thi Nguyen N, Hirata M, Tanihara F, Hirano T, Le QA, Nii M, Otoi T. Hypothermic storage of porcine zygotes in serum supplemented with chlorogenic acid. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:750-755. [PMID: 30788874 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The current study was conducted to investigate the effects of 100% foetal bovine serum (FBS) and 100% porcine follicular fluid (pFF) as a storage medium on the developmental competence of porcine zygotes stored at 25°C for 24 hr. Moreover, we evaluated the additive effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) in the storage medium. When in vitro-produced zygotes were stored at 25°C for 24 hr in tubes containing either tissue culture medium (TCM) 199 supplemented with 1 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA), 100% of FBS or 100% of pFF, the rate of blastocyst formation was significantly higher in 100% of FBS than in BSA-containing TCM 199. When the effects of CGA supplementation in 100% of FBS on the development of zygotes stored at 25°C for 24 hr was evaluated, more zygotes stored with 50 µM CGA developed to blastocysts compared with the other concentrations of CGA. When the formation date and quality of blastocysts derived from zygotes stored in 100% of FBS supplemented with 50 µM CGA were investigated, the highest ratio of blastocysts formation in the storage group appeared 1 day later than in the non-stored control group. However, a higher proportion of blastocysts with apoptotic nuclei was observed in the stored group as compared to the non-stored group. In conclusion, 100% of FBS is available for a short storage medium of porcine zygotes. The supplementation of 50 µM CGA into the storage medium improves the rates of blastocyst formation of zygotes after storage, but the quality of embryos from the stored zygotes remains to be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhien Thi Nguyen
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Maki Hirata
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Fuminori Tanihara
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Takayuki Hirano
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Quynh Anh Le
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nii
- Tokushima Prefectural Livestock Research Institute, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Takeshige Otoi
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
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25
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Fowler KE, Mandawala AA, Griffin DK, Walling GA, Harvey SC. The production of pig preimplantation embryos in vitro: Current progress and future prospects. Reprod Biol 2018; 18:203-211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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26
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Marco-Jiménez F, Baselga M, Vicente JS. Successful re-establishment of a rabbit population from embryos vitrified 15 years ago: The importance of biobanks in livestock conservation. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199234. [PMID: 29912976 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic resource banks (GRB) are a valuable tool for maintaining genetic variability and preserving breeds from pathogens or catastrophe, enabling us to assess and correct breeding schemes, minimizing the impact of genetic drift and facilitating diffusion. This study tests their efficiency in re-establishing two extinct populations of a synthetic rabbit line selected for daily weight gain, using vitrified embryos from two generations (18th and 36th) separated by 15 years of genetic selection. The effect of long-term storage of vitrified embryos in liquid nitrogen was also evaluated. A total of 516 vitrified embryos using the same protocol were transferred into 54 recipients. The embryos had been maintained in liquid nitrogen during 2 different periods, (i) 1 year (301 embryos and 26 transfers, 36th generation) and (ii) 15 years (259 embryos and 28 transfers, 18th generation). A total of 80.0% (8/10 to 18th) and 60.0% (9/15 to 36th) of the foundational sire families were eventually re-established. Over approximately one year, animals within each population were crossed to produce the next generation and re-establish the original population size. Our study demonstrated that our GRB of embryos vitrified 15 years ago is a successful strategy to re-establish rabbit populations to continue the breeding programme.
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27
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Nohalez A, Martinez CA, Parrilla I, Maside C, Roca J, Gil MA, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Martinez EA, Cuello C. Eventual re-vitrification or storage in liquid nitrogen vapor does not jeopardize the practical handling and transport of vitrified pig embryos. Theriogenology 2018; 113:229-236. [PMID: 29567383 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed (1) to evaluate the in vitro post-warming survival of porcine embryos after re-vitrification and (2) to assess the efficacy of transport of embryos in dry shipper (DS) in maintaining the viability and quality of vitrified embryos for a 3-day period. Embryos at the compacted or cavitating morula (CCM) and unhatched blastocyst (UBL) stages were surgically obtained from weaned, crossbred sows. In the first experiment, more than 85% of the embryos survived an initial vitrification and warming and achieved comparable survival rates to those of their fresh counterparts. In contrast, those embryos subjected to a second vitrification and warming had clearly lower survival rates (60% and 64% for re-vitrified embryos from the CCM and UBL groups, respectively) compared to the survival rates of the initial vitrification and fresh control groups (P < 0.01). Hatching rates were similar in re-vitrified blastocysts derived from vitrified CCMs and fresh control groups (50.8% and 55.3%, respectively). However, differences (P < 0.01) in hatching rates were recorded in re-vitrified blastocysts derived from vitrified UBLs and fresh control blastocysts (14.7% and 90.0%, respectively). In the second experiment, vitrified embryos were stored in a liquid nitrogen tank for one month. Then, the straws containing the embryos were transferred to a DS (DS group) or to another liquid nitrogen tank (control group) for an additional three days. Embryos from the DS and control groups had similar survival and hatching rates, regardless of the embryonic stage considered. The DS storage of CCMs and UBLs did not affect their development after culturing, including total cell numbers, compared to the control, although their apoptotic index was slightly higher (P < 0.05), regardless of the developmental stage. In conclusion, although re-vitrification negatively affects embryo survival, this study demonstrated that >60% of vitrified embryos could be successfully re-vitrified and re-warmed. The present study also showed the effectiveness of the DS for the storage of vitrified porcine CCMs and UBLs for at least three 3 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Nohalez
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina A Martinez
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Carolina Maside
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - María A Gil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Emilio A Martinez
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
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Martinez C, Nohalez A, Parrilla I, Lucas X, Sanchez-Osorio J, Roca J, Cuello C, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Martinez E, Gil M. Simple storage (CO2-free) of porcine morulae for up to three days maintains the in vitro viability and developmental competence. Theriogenology 2018; 108:229-238. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Gil MA, Martinez CA, Nohalez A, Parrilla I, Roca J, Wu J, Ross PJ, Cuello C, Izpisua JC, Martinez EA. Developmental competence of porcine genome-edited zygotes. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:814-821. [PMID: 28471514 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Genome editing in pigs has tremendous practical applications for biomedicine. The advent of genome editing technology, with its use of site-specific nucleases-including ZFNs, TALENs, and the CRISPR/Cas9 system-has popularized targeted zygote genome editing via one-step microinjection in several mammalian species. Here, we review methods to optimize the developmental competence of genome-edited porcine embryos and strategies to improve the zygote genome-editing efficiency in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Gil
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina A Martinez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alicia Nohalez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jun Wu
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
| | - Pablo J Ross
- Department of Animal Science, UC Davis, Davis, California
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan C Izpisua
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
| | - Emilio A Martinez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Nohalez A, Martinez CA, Reixach J, Diaz M, Vila J, Colina I, Parrilla I, Vazquez JL, Roca J, Gil MA, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Martinez EA, Cuello C. Factors of importance when selecting sows as embryo donors. Animal 2017; 11:1330-5. [PMID: 28219466 DOI: 10.1017/S1751731117000325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The improvement in porcine embryo preservation and non-surgical embryo transfer (ET) procedures achieved in recent years represents essential progress for the practical use of ET in the pig industry. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of parity, weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI) and season on reproductive and embryonic parameters at day 6 after insemination of donor sows superovulated after weaning. The selection of donor sows was based on their reproductive history, body condition and parity. The effects of parity at weaning (2 to 3, 4 to 5 or 6 to 7 litters), season (fall, winter and spring), and WEI (estrus within 3 to 4 days), and their interactions on the number of corpus luteum, cysts in sows with cysts, number and quality of viable and transferable embryos, embryo developmental stage and recovery and fertilization rates were evaluated using linear mixed effects models. The analyses showed a lack of significant effects of parity, season, WEI or their interactions on any of the reproductive and embryonic parameters examined. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that fertilization rates and numbers of viable and transferable embryos collected at day 6 of the cycle from superovulated donor sows are not affected by their parity, regardless of the time of the year (from fall to spring) and WEI (3 or 4 days).
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Mandawala A, Harvey S, Roy T, Fowler K. Cryopreservation of animal oocytes and embryos: Current progress and future prospects. Theriogenology 2016; 86:1637-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Martinez CA, Nohalez A, Parrilla I, Vazquez JL, Roca J, Cuello C, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Martinez EA, Gil MA. Surgical embryo collection but not nonsurgical embryo transfer compromises postintervention prolificacy in sows. Theriogenology 2017; 87:316-20. [PMID: 27707545 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in nonsurgical deep uterine (NsDU) embryo transfer (ET) technology allow the noninvasive transfer of porcine embryos into recipients, overcoming the most important impediment for commercial ET in this species. Although many factors in the porcine ET-field have been recently evaluated, many others remain to be explored. We investigated here the future reproductive performance of donors and recipients after artificial insemination subsequent to the default surgical embryo recovery approach and to the NsDU-ET procedure, respectively. Although surgical embryo collection did not influence subsequent farrowing rates (90.5%), litter size decreased severely (8.9 ± 0.8 piglets) compared to presurgery (10.8 ± 0.3 piglets) and control group (10.7 ± 0.3 piglets). In contrast, NsDU-ETs did neither affect fertility nor prolificacy of recipients in the cycle subsequent to ET, regardless of whether they were pregnant after NsDU-ET or not. These results indicate that while the surgical embryo collection procedure compromises the reproductive future of donor sows, the NsDU-ET approach does not affect the reproductive potential of the recipients after reintroduction to the breeding stock of the farm. Further research is thus needed to improve surgical embryo collection.
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Martinez EA, Nohalez A, Martinez CA, Parrilla I, Vila J, Colina I, Diaz M, Reixach J, Vazquez JL, Roca J, Cuello C, Gil MA. The Recipients' Parity Does Not Influence Their Reproductive Performance Following Non-Surgical Deep Uterine Porcine Embryo Transfer. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 51:123-9. [PMID: 26661993 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
With the development of the non-surgical deep uterine (NsDU) embryo transfer (ET) technology, the commercial applicability of ET in pigs is now possible. There are, nevertheless, many factors that influence NsDU-ET effectiveness that need to be addressed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the weaned recipients' parity on fertility and prolificacy following NsDU-ET. The recipients (n = 120) were selected based on their reproductive history and body condition and grouped into three categories according to their parity: primiparous sows, sows of parity 2 and sows of parities from 3 to 5. Thirty fresh embryos (morulae and unhatched blastocysts) were non-surgically transferred into one uterine horn of each recipient. It was possible to insert the NsDU-ET catheter through the cervix along a uterine horn in 98.3% of the recipients. The parity had no influence on the difficulty grade of the insertions or on the percentage of correct insertions. The cervix and uterine wall were not perforated during the insertions, and vaginal discharge was not observed after transfer in any of the recipients. There were no differences in the pregnancy rates (74.8%), farrowing rates (71.2%) or litter sizes (9.6 ± 3.3) between groups. Also, there were no differences between groups regarding to the piglets' birthweights or piglet production efficiency. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that weaned sows from parity 1 to 5 are appropriate to be used as recipients in NsDU-ET programs, which increase the possibilities for the utilization of ET in the recipient farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Martinez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Nohalez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - C A Martinez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - I Parrilla
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - J Vila
- Department of Research and Development, Selección Batallé S.A., Girona, Spain
| | - I Colina
- Department of Research and Development, Selección Batallé S.A., Girona, Spain
| | - M Diaz
- Department of Research and Development, Selección Batallé S.A., Girona, Spain
| | - J Reixach
- Department of Research and Development, Selección Batallé S.A., Girona, Spain
| | - J L Vazquez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - J Roca
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Cuello
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - M A Gil
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Roca J, Parrilla I, Bolarin A, Martinez EA, Rodriguez-Martinez H. Will AI in pigs become more efficient? Theriogenology 2015; 86:187-93. [PMID: 26723133 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AI is commercially applied worldwide to breed pigs, yielding fertility outcomes similar to those of natural mating. However, it is not fully efficient, as only liquid-stored semen is used, with a single boar inseminating about 2000 sows yearly. The use of liquid semen, moreover, constrains international trade and slows genetic improvement. Research efforts, reviewed hereby, are underway to reverse this inefficient scenario. Special attention is paid to studies intended to decrease the number of sperm used per pregnant sow, facilitating the practical use of sexed frozen-thawed semen in swine commercial insemination programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - I Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Bolarin
- R&D Department of AIM iberica, Topigs Norsvin, Madrid, Spain
| | - E A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - H Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Linköping University (LiU), Linköping, Sweden
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