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Piechota S, Marchante M, Giovannini A, Paulsen B, Potts KS, Rockwell G, Aschenberger C, Noblett AD, Figueroa AB, Sanchez M, Barrachina F, Wiemer K, Guzman L, Belchin P, Pierson Smela M, Fortuna PRJ, Chatterjee P, Tran ND, Kelk DA, Forti M, Marcinyshyn S, Smith T, McCulloh DH, Fernandez-Gonzalez MJ, Abittan B, Ortiz S, Klein JU, Klatsky P, Ordonez-Perez D, Kramme CC. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived ovarian support cell co-culture improves oocyte maturation in vitro after abbreviated gonadotropin stimulation. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2456-2469. [PMID: 37815487 PMCID: PMC10694404 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead205] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can in vitro maturation (IVM) and developmental competence of human oocytes be improved by co-culture with ovarian support cells (OSCs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)? SUMMARY ANSWER OSC-IVM significantly improves the rates of metaphase II (MII) formation and euploid Day 5 or 6 blastocyst formation, when compared to a commercially available IVM system. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY IVM has historically shown highly variable performance in maturing oocytes and generating oocytes with strong developmental capacity, while limited studies have shown a positive benefit of primary granulosa cell co-culture for IVM. We recently reported the development of OSCs generated from hiPSCs that recapitulate dynamic ovarian function in vitro. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study was designed as a basic science study, using randomized sibling oocyte specimen allocation. Using pilot study data, a prospective sample size of 20 donors or at least 65 oocytes per condition were used for subsequent experiments. A total of 67 oocyte donors were recruited to undergo abbreviated gonadotropin stimulation with or without hCG triggers and retrieved cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were allocated between the OSC-IVM or control conditions (fetal-like OSC (FOSC)-IVM or media-only IVM) in three independent experimental design formats. The total study duration was 1 April 2022 to 1 July 2023. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Oocyte donors between the ages of 19 and 37 years were recruited for retrieval after informed consent, with assessment of anti-Mullerian hormone, antral follicle count, age, BMI and ovarian pathology used for inclusion and exclusion criteria. In experiment 1, 27 oocyte donors were recruited, in experiment 2, 23 oocyte donors were recruited, and in experiment 3, 17 oocyte donors and 3 sperm donors were recruited. The OSC-IVM culture condition was composed of 100 000 OSCs in suspension culture with hCG, recombinant FSH, androstenedione, and doxycycline supplementation. IVM controls lacked OSCs and contained either the same supplementation, FSH and hCG only (a commercial IVM control), or FOSCs with the same supplementation (Media control). Experiment 1 compared OSC-IVM, FOSC-IVM, and a Media control, while experiments 2 and 3 compared OSC-IVM and a commercial IVM control. Primary endpoints in the first two experiments were the MII formation (i.e. maturation) rate and morphological quality assessment. In the third experiment, the fertilization and embryo formation rates were assessed with genetic testing for aneuploidy and epigenetic quality in blastocysts. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We observed a statistically significant improvement (∼1.5×) in maturation outcomes for oocytes that underwent IVM with OSCs compared to control Media-IVM and FOSC-IVM in experiment 1. More specifically, the OSC-IVM group yielded a MII formation rate of 68% ± 6.83% SEM versus 46% ± 8.51% SEM in the Media control (P = 0.02592, unpaired t-test). FOSC-IVM yielded a 51% ± 9.23% SEM MII formation rate which did not significantly differ from the media control (P = 0.77 unpaired t-test). Additionally, OSC-IVM yielded a statistically significant ∼1.6× higher average MII formation rate at 68% ± 6.74% when compared to 43% ± 7.90% in the commercially available IVM control condition (P = 0.0349, paired t-test) in experiment 2. Oocyte morphological quality between OSC-IVM and the controls did not significantly differ. In experiment 3, OSC-IVM oocytes demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in Day 5 or 6 euploid blastocyst formation per COC compared to the commercial IVM control (25% ± 7.47% vs 11% ± 3.82%, P = 0.0349 logistic regression). Also in experiment 3, the OSC-treated oocytes generated blastocysts with similar global and germline differentially methylated region epigenetic profiles compared commercial IVM controls or blastocysts after either conventional ovarian stimulation. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION While the findings of this study are compelling, the cohort size remains limited and was powered on preliminary pilot studies, and the basic research nature of the study limits generalizability compared to randomized control trials. Additionally, use of hCG-triggered cycles results in a heterogenous oocyte cohort, and potential differences in the underlying maturation state of oocytes pre-IVM may limit or bias findings. Further research is needed to clarify and characterize the precise mechanism of action of the OSC-IVM system. Further research is also needed to establish whether these embryos are capable of implantation and further development, a key indication of their clinical utility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Together, these findings demonstrate a novel approach to IVM with broad applicability to modern ART practice. The controls used in this study are in line with and have produced similar to findings to those in the literature, and the outcome of this study supports findings from previous co-culture studies that found benefits of primary granulosa cells on IVM outcomes. The OSC-IVM system shows promise as a highly flexible IVM approach that can complement a broad range of stimulation styles and patient populations. Particularly for patients who cannot or prefer not to undergo conventional gonadotropin stimulation, OSC-IVM may present a viable path for obtaining developmentally competent, mature oocytes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) A.D.N., A.B.F., A.G., B.P., C.A., C.C.K., F.B., G.R., K.S.P., K.W., M.M., P.C., S.P., and M.-J.F.-G. are shareholders in the for-profit biotechnology company Gameto Inc. P.R.J.F. declares paid consultancy for Gameto Inc. P.C. also declares paid consultancy for the Scientific Advisory Board for Gameto Inc. D.H.M. has received consulting services from Granata Bio, Sanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Gameto, and Buffalo IVF, and travel support from the Upper Egypt Assisted Reproduction Society. C.C.K., S.P., M.M., A.G., B.P., K.S.P., G.R., and A.D.N. are listed on a patent covering the use of OSCs for IVM: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/492,210. Additionally, C.C.K. and K.W. are listed on three patents covering the use of OSCs for IVM: U.S. Patent Application No. 17/846,725, U.S Patent Application No. 17/846,845, and International Patent Application No.: PCT/US2023/026012. C.C.K., M.P.S., and P.C. additionally are listed on three patents for the transcription factor-directed production of granulosa-like cells from stem cells: International Patent Application No.: PCT/US2023/065140, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/326,640, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/444,108. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marta Sanchez
- Ruber Juan Bravo University Hospital, Eugin Group, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Pedro Belchin
- Ruber Juan Bravo University Hospital, Eugin Group, Madrid, Spain
| | - Merrick Pierson Smela
- Wyss Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick R J Fortuna
- Wyss Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pranam Chatterjee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - David H McCulloh
- Gameto Inc., New York, NY, USA
- Biogenetics Corporation, Mountainside, NJ, USA
- Sperm and Embryo Bank of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Biogenetics Laboratory, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- ReproART, Georgian American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tbilisi, GA, USA
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Xiu YL, Sun KX, Zhang Q, Xiao YH, Bai X, Chen Y, Zhao MS, Yu YX. Outcome of Different Endometrial Preparation Protocols Prior to Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer on Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Repeated Implantation Failure. Int J Womens Health 2023; 15:1835-1844. [PMID: 38035202 PMCID: PMC10683651 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s433640] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim To compare the pregnancy outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles among women with repeated implantation failure (RIF) treated with various endometrial preparation protocols. Methods A total of 605 women with RIF were retrospectively recruited between January 2017 and December 2020 from Northern Theater General Hospital. Patients were divided into natural cycles, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) cycles, depot gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist-HRT, and endometrial scratching (ES) plus depot GnRH agonist-HRT. The primary endpoint was clinical pregnancy rate, while secondary endpoints included live birth rate and pain assessment. Results Of the 605 recruited patients, 63 were undergoing natural cycles, 281 were treated with HRT cycles, 141 treated with depot GnRH agonist-HRT, and 120 treated with ES combined with depot GnRH agonist-HRT. There were significant differences among protocols on clinical pregnancy rate (P=0.029), while no significant difference was observed among protocols on live birth rates (P=0.108). Multivariate analyses suggested that HRT (odds ratio [OR]: 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.28-0.89; P=0.019) and depot GnRH agonist-HRT (OR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.27-0.91; P=0.021) cycles were associated with a lower clinical pregnancy rate as compared with natural cycles, while no significant difference between ES combined with depot GnRH agonist-HRT and natural cycles for clinical pregnancy rates (OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.38-1.36; P=0.313). Moreover, the HRT (OR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.39-1.28; P=0.239), depot GnRH agonist-HRT (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.35-1.29; P=0.229), and ES combined with depot GnRH agonist-HRT (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.58-2.14; P=0.754) cycles had no significant effects on live birth rate as compared with natural cycles. A total of 87.50% patients treated with ES combined with depot GnRH agonist-HRT reported pain during the procedure. Conclusion ES and depot GnRH agonists could be considered for RIF women with high-quality blastocysts, 14 days after verified transplantation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Ling Xiu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theatre Command, Shenyang, 110016, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kai-Xuan Sun
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theatre Command, Shenyang, 110016, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theatre Command, Shenyang, 110016, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Hong Xiao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theatre Command, Shenyang, 110016, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xue Bai
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theatre Command, Shenyang, 110016, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Chen
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theatre Command, Shenyang, 110016, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng-Si Zhao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theatre Command, Shenyang, 110016, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue-Xin Yu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theatre Command, Shenyang, 110016, People’s Republic of China
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Umair M, Scheeren VFDC, Beitsma MM, Colleoni S, Galli C, Lazzari G, de Ruijter-Villani M, Stout TAE, Claes A. In Vitro-Produced Equine Blastocysts Exhibit Greater Dispersal and Intermingling of Inner Cell Mass Cells than In Vivo Embryos. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119619. [PMID: 37298570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119619] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro production (IVP) of equine embryos is increasingly popular in clinical practice but suffers from higher incidences of early embryonic loss and monozygotic twin development than transfer of in vivo derived (IVD) embryos. Early embryo development is classically characterized by two cell fate decisions: (1) first, trophectoderm (TE) cells differentiate from inner cell mass (ICM); (2) second, the ICM segregates into epiblast (EPI) and primitive endoderm (PE). This study examined the influence of embryo type (IVD versus IVP), developmental stage or speed, and culture environment (in vitro versus in vivo) on the expression of the cell lineage markers, CDX-2 (TE), SOX-2 (EPI) and GATA-6 (PE). The numbers and distribution of cells expressing the three lineage markers were evaluated in day 7 IVD early blastocysts (n = 3) and blastocysts (n = 3), and in IVP embryos first identified as blastocysts after 7 (fast development, n = 5) or 9 (slow development, n = 9) days. Furthermore, day 7 IVP blastocysts were examined after additional culture for 2 days either in vitro (n = 5) or in vivo (after transfer into recipient mares, n = 3). In IVD early blastocysts, SOX-2 positive cells were encircled by GATA-6 positive cells in the ICM, with SOX-2 co-expression in some presumed PE cells. In IVD blastocysts, SOX-2 expression was exclusive to the compacted presumptive EPI, while GATA-6 and CDX-2 expression were consistent with PE and TE specification, respectively. In IVP blastocysts, SOX-2 and GATA-6 positive cells were intermingled and relatively dispersed, and co-expression of SOX-2 or GATA-6 was evident in some CDX-2 positive TE cells. IVP blastocysts had lower TE and total cell numbers than IVD blastocysts and displayed larger mean inter-EPI cell distances; these features were more pronounced in slower-developing IVP blastocysts. Transferring IVP blastocysts into recipient mares led to the compaction of SOX-2 positive cells into a presumptive EPI, whereas extended in vitro culture did not. In conclusion, IVP equine embryos have a poorly compacted ICM with intermingled EPI and PE cells; features accentuated in slowly developing embryos but remedied by transfer to a recipient mare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umair
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mabel M Beitsma
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cesare Galli
- Avantea srl, Via Porcellasco 7/F, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | | | - Marta de Ruijter-Villani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anthony Claes
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Gianaroli L, Perruzza D, Albanese C, Azzena S, Tabanelli C, Ferraretti AP, Magli MC. Failure to detect DNA in blastocoel fluid is associated with a higher live birth rate in both PGT-A and conventional IVF/ICSI cycles. Hum Reprod 2023:7158562. [PMID: 37159504 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead088] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the presence of DNA in the blastocoel fluid (BF) of expanded blastocysts, assessed by whole genome amplification (WGA), associated with the clinical outcome at the first transfer? SUMMARY ANSWER At the first transfer, blastocysts with negative BF-WGA have more chance to implant and to develop to term than those with positive BF-WGA results, both in preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) cycles (where only euploid blastocysts resulting from the chromosomal analysis of trophectoderm (TE) biopsies were transferred) and in IVF/ICSI conventional cycles. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Retrospective studies conducted in patients undergoing PGT-A have shown that the incidence of negative BF-WGA was significantly higher in TE-euploid blastocysts than in TE-aneuploid blastocysts. In addition, after the transfer of TE-euploid blastocysts, the ongoing clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the group with negative BF-WGA compared with those with positive BF-WGA. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective cohort study including 102 consecutive PGT-A patients (Group 1) and 88 consecutive conventional IVF/ICSI patients (Group 2), was conducted between January 2019 and December 2021. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In both groups, BFs were collected from expanded blastocysts of high grade and processed for WGA. DNA amplification was evaluated by agarose gel electrophoresis for the presence (positive BF-WGA) or absence (negative BF-WGA) of a band. Directly after the BF retrieval, blastocysts from Group 1 underwent TE biopsy and vitrification. In Group 2, blastocysts were vitrified immediately after BF collection. In Group 1, only euploid blastocysts were considered for transfer according to the results of TE biopsies. In both groups, the selection of the blastocyst to be transferred was based on BF-WGA results giving priority, if available, to those with negative amplification. The primary outcome investigated was the live birth rate (LBR) at the first transfer. The main variable under investigation was the negative BF-WGA and results were corrected for confounders (maternal and paternal age, number of retrieved oocytes, male factor) by multiple logistic regression analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In Group 1, 60 patients transferred negative BF-WGA blastocysts and 42 positive BF-WGA blastocysts, and the LBR at the first transfer was 53.3% and 26.2%, respectively (P = 0.0081). After testing for selected confounders in a multiple logistic analysis, the transfer of blastocysts with negative BF-WGA resulted in an odds ratio of (OR) 3.52 (95% CI: 1.48-8.88, P = 0.0057) compared to transfer of positive BF-WGA blastocysts. In Group 2, at the first transfer 30 deliveries resulted from blastocysts with negative BF-WGA (48.4%) and three from the transfer of positive BF-WGA blastocysts in 26 patients (11.5%; P = 0.0014). Multiple logistic analysis indicated that the transfer of blastocysts with negative BF-WGA resulted in an OR 6.89 (95% CI: 1.98-32.95, P = 0.0056) compared to transfer of positive BF-WGA blastocysts. The LBR per transfer and the cumulative LBR per patient showed the same trend. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The study was performed in a single center. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The data from this study highlight the heterogeneity of blastocysts of similar morphology, even in those classified as euploid by TE analysis. Failure to detect DNA in BFs after WGA is associated with a significantly higher LBR at the first embryo transfer as well as per transfer and per patient. The processing of the BF by WGA is an easy and cost-effective tool that could become a valuable option to offer patients the highest chances of term pregnancy in the shortest time possible. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study received no funding from external sources. There are no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Gianaroli
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, S.I.S.Me.R., Società Italiana Studi Medicina della Riproduzione, Bologna, Italy
| | - D Perruzza
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, S.I.S.Me.R., Società Italiana Studi Medicina della Riproduzione, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Albanese
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, S.I.S.Me.R., Società Italiana Studi Medicina della Riproduzione, Bologna, Italy
| | - S Azzena
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, S.I.S.Me.R., Società Italiana Studi Medicina della Riproduzione, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Tabanelli
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, S.I.S.Me.R., Società Italiana Studi Medicina della Riproduzione, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna P Ferraretti
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, S.I.S.Me.R., Società Italiana Studi Medicina della Riproduzione, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Cristina Magli
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, S.I.S.Me.R., Società Italiana Studi Medicina della Riproduzione, Bologna, Italy
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Lee YJ, Lin YP, Cheng EH, Chen CH, Huang CC, Lin PY, Lee TH, Lee MS. Presence of vacuoles in blastocysts is negatively associated with euploidy and live birth rates. Fertil Steril 2023:S0015-0282(23)00308-4. [PMID: 37086831 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.04.023] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the presence of vacuoles in biopsied blastocysts is associated with the likelihood of aneuploidy and clinical outcomes. DESIGN Retrospective observational study. SUBJECTS This study retrospectively analyzed data obtained through preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) performed on 3351 blastocysts from 826 patients at a single reproductive center between August 2018 and July 2020. Ultimately, 167 single euploid blastocyst transfers were performed in these patients. Vacuoles existing in the trophectoderm or inner cell mass were observed using blastocyst biopsy. After biopsy, all blastocysts were vitrified, and embryo transfer was performed in a subsequent treatment cycle. EXPOSURE Presence versus absence of vacuoles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The associations between vacuoles and euploidy or live birth rates were assessed using logistic regression models and estimated adjusted odds ratios [ORs] and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Of the 3351 blastocysts from 826 patients, 903 (26.9%) were discovered to have vacuoles. The vacuole-positive group had a significantly lower percentage of euploid blastocysts after TE biopsy than did the vacuole-negative group (28.8% vs. 35.5%; p < 0.001). Embryos with vacuoles were significantly more likely to be poor quality (30.6% vs. 18.2%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analyses revealed that euploid blastocysts were positively associated with the absence of vacuoles, maternal age, and good embryo quality (vacuole-negative group: adjusted OR= 1.291, 95% CI = 1.089-1.530; age < 38 years: adjusted OR= 1.989, 95% CI = 1.692-2.337; good embryo quality: adjusted OR = 1.703, 95% CI = 1.405-2.064). The implantation rate and live birth rate were significantly lower for the transferred single euploid blastocysts with vacuoles than for the blastocysts without vacuoles (35.5% vs. 56.6%, p = 0.033; 29.0% vs. 52.2%, p = 0.020, respectively). The live birth rate was positively associated with the absence of vacuoles (adjusted OR = 2.792, 95% CI = 1.180-6.608). CONCLUSION The formation of vacuoles in blastocysts is associated with lower rates of euploidy and live birth. Blastocysts without vacuoles should thus be prioritized for embryo transfer in in vitro fertilization cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jen Lee
- Genetic Diagnosis Laboratory, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Lin
- Genetic Diagnosis Laboratory, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - En-Hui Cheng
- Genetic Diagnosis Laboratory, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hong Chen
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chia Huang
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Yao Lin
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsien Lee
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Maw-Sheng Lee
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Yan Y, Zhang Q, Yang L, Zhou W, Ni T, Yan J. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes after long-term vitrification of blastocysts among 6,900 patients after their last live birth. Fertil Steril 2023; 119:36-44. [PMID: 36456212 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether prolonged storage of vitrified blastocysts negatively impacts pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. DESIGN A retrospective cohort study. SETTING University hospital. PATIENT(S) A total of 6,900 patients who desired to transfer vitrified blastocysts from the same oocyte retrieval cycle as their last live birth met the inclusion criteria and were grouped according to the storage duration (1,890 patients in group 1 with storage duration < 3 years, 2,693 patients in group 2 with storage duration between 3 and 4 years, 1,344 patients in group 3 with storage duration between 4 and 5 years, 578 patients in group 4 with storage duration between 5 and 6 years and 395 patients in group 5 with storage duration ≥ 6 years but ≤ 10.5 years). INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Rates of blastocyst survival, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and live birth and neonatal outcomes. RESULT(S) The survival rates of the vitrified blastocysts significantly decreased with prolonged storage from group 1 to the subsequent groups 2, 3, 4, and 5. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the rates of biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth were significantly decreased when the vitrified blastocysts were stored for more than 6 years (group 5) compared with these for less than 3 years (group 1) but no distinct differences were found in these above-mentioned indicators among group 1, 2, 3, and group 4 (group 1 as reference). However, no significant differences were noted in the rates of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy and neonatal outcomes on prolonged storage of vitrified blastocysts. CONCLUSION(S) Long-term blastocyst vitrification for more than 6 years can negatively affect the rates of biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth but does not impact neonatal outcomes.
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Tian H, Zhang H, Qiu H, Yang X, La X, Cui L. Influence of Maternal Age on the Relationship Between Endometrial Thickness and Ongoing Pregnancy Rates in Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer Cycles: A Retrospective Analysis of 2,562 Cycles. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:821753. [PMID: 35586619 PMCID: PMC9108261 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.821753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles, endometrial thickness (EMT) has been used routinely as the main clinical monitoring index. However, the current findings are conflicting. Method This was a single-center retrospective study of 2,054 couples (2,562 cycles) who underwent FET (including cleavage stage embryos and blastocysts) between January 2017 and August 2020 in the reproductive centers of First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. The primary outcome measure was the ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR); the secondary outcome was the clinical pregnancy rate. Results After stratified analysis and adjusting for confounders such as maternal age, duration of infertility, number of high-quality embryos transferred, endometrial preparation protocol, number of transfer cycles, and stages of embryo transferred, we found a curvilinear relationship between EMT and the OPR in women < 35 years of age. For women with EMT ≤ 8 mm, the OPR increased by 150% for cleavage stage embryo transfer for every 1 mm increase in the EMT; similarly, it increased by 97% for blastocyst stage FET. However, there was a linear relationship between EMT and OPR in women aged ≥ 35 years. When blastocysts were transferred, for every 1 mm increase in the EMT the OPR increased significantly by 12%. But OPR after frozen-thawed cleavage stage embryos transfer did not increase significantly with increased EMT. Conclusions Our study showed that the OPR increased significantly with increased EMT between young women aged < 35 years with EMT ≤ 8 mm and older women who underwent transfer of blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqing Tian
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Hejiang Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hong Qiu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xuejiao Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xiaolin La
- Reproductive Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Lei Cui
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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8
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Khampang S, Cho IK, Punyawai K, Gill B, Langmo JN, Nath S, Greeson KW, Symosko KM, Fowler KL, Tian S, Statz JP, Steves AN, Parnpai R, White MA, Hennebold JD, Orwig KE, Simerly CR, Schatten G, Easley CA. Blastocyst development after fertilization with in vitro spermatids derived from nonhuman primate embryonic stem cells. F S Sci 2021; 2:365-375. [PMID: 34970648 PMCID: PMC8716017 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2021.09.001] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To demonstrate that functional spermatids can be derived in vitro from nonhuman primate pluripotent stem cells. DESIGN Green fluorescent protein-labeled, rhesus macaque nonhuman primate embryonic stem cells (nhpESCs) were differentiated into advanced male germ cell lineages using a modified serum-free spermatogonial stem cell culture medium. In vitro-derived round spermatid-like cells (rSLCs) from differentiated nhpESCs were assessed for their ability to fertilize rhesus oocytes by intracytoplasmic sperm(atid) injection. SETTING Multiple academic laboratory settings. PATIENTS Not applicable. INTERVENTIONS Intracytoplasmic sperm(atid) injection of in vitro-derived spermatids from nhpESCs into rhesus macaque oocytes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Differentiation into spermatogenic cell lineages was measured through multiple assessments including ribonucleic acid sequencing and immunocytochemistry for various spermatogenic markers. In vitro spermatids were assessed for their ability to fertilize oocytes by intracytoplasmic sperm(atid) injection by assessing early fertilization events such as spermatid deoxyribonucleic acid decondensation and pronucleus formation/apposition. Preimplantation embryo development from the one-cell zygote stage to the blastocyst stage was also assessed. RESULTS Nonhuman primate embryonic stem cells can be differentiated into advanced germ cell lineages, including haploid rSLCs. These rSLCs undergo deoxyribonucleic acid decondensation and pronucleus formation/apposition when microinjected into rhesus macaque mature oocytes, which, after artificial activation and coinjection of ten-eleven translocation 3 protein, undergo embryonic divisions with approximately 12% developing successfully into expanded blastocysts. CONCLUSIONS This work demonstrates that rSLCs, generated in vitro from primate pluripotent stem cells, mimic many of the capabilities of in vivo round spermatids and perform events essential for preimplantation development. To our knowledge, this work represents, for the first time, that functional spermatid-like cells can be derived in vitro from primate pluripotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujittra Khampang
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases; Yerkes National Primate Research Center; Atlanta, Georgia.,Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - In Ki Cho
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases; Yerkes National Primate Research Center; Atlanta, Georgia.,Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia.,Regenerative Bioscience Center; University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia
| | - Kanchana Punyawai
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases; Yerkes National Primate Research Center; Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Brittany Gill
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia.,Regenerative Bioscience Center; University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia
| | - Jacqueline N Langmo
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia.,Regenerative Bioscience Center; University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia
| | - Shivangi Nath
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Katherine W Greeson
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia.,Regenerative Bioscience Center; University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia
| | - Krista M Symosko
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia.,Regenerative Bioscience Center; University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia
| | - Kristen L Fowler
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia.,Regenerative Bioscience Center; University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia
| | - Siran Tian
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases; Yerkes National Primate Research Center; Atlanta, Georgia
| | - John P Statz
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Alyse N Steves
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases; Yerkes National Primate Research Center; Atlanta, Georgia.,Regenerative Bioscience Center; University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia
| | - Rangsun Parnpai
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Michael A White
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Jon D Hennebold
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Magee-Womens Research Institute and Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Cell Biology and Bioengineering; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Calvin R Simerly
- Magee-Womens Research Institute and Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Cell Biology and Bioengineering; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Gerald Schatten
- Magee-Womens Research Institute and Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Cell Biology and Bioengineering; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Charles A Easley
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases; Yerkes National Primate Research Center; Atlanta, Georgia.,Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia.,Regenerative Bioscience Center; University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia
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9
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Andolfi L, Battistella A, Zanetti M, Lazzarino M, Pascolo L, Romano F, Ricci G. Scanning Probe Microscopies: Imaging and Biomechanics in Reproductive Medicine Research. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083823. [PMID: 33917060 PMCID: PMC8067746 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Basic and translational research in reproductive medicine can provide new insights with the application of scanning probe microscopies, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM). These microscopies, which provide images with spatial resolution well beyond the optical resolution limit, enable users to achieve detailed descriptions of cell topography, inner cellular structure organization, and arrangements of single or cluster membrane proteins. A peculiar characteristic of AFM operating in force spectroscopy mode is its inherent ability to measure the interaction forces between single proteins or cells, and to quantify the mechanical properties (i.e., elasticity, viscoelasticity, and viscosity) of cells and tissues. The knowledge of the cell ultrastructure, the macromolecule organization, the protein dynamics, the investigation of biological interaction forces, and the quantification of biomechanical features can be essential clues for identifying the molecular mechanisms that govern responses in living cells. This review highlights the main findings achieved by the use of AFM and SNOM in assisted reproductive research, such as the description of gamete morphology; the quantification of mechanical properties of gametes; the role of forces in embryo development; the significance of investigating single-molecule interaction forces; the characterization of disorders of the reproductive system; and the visualization of molecular organization. New perspectives of analysis opened up by applying these techniques and the translational impacts on reproductive medicine are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andolfi
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali IOM-CNR, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.); (M.Z.); (M.L.)
- Correspondence: (L.A.); (G.R.)
| | - Alice Battistella
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali IOM-CNR, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.); (M.Z.); (M.L.)
- Doctoral School in Nanotechnology, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Michele Zanetti
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali IOM-CNR, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.); (M.Z.); (M.L.)
- Doctoral School in Nanotechnology, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Lazzarino
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali IOM-CNR, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.); (M.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Lorella Pascolo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (L.P.); (F.R.)
| | - Federico Romano
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (L.P.); (F.R.)
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (L.P.); (F.R.)
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.A.); (G.R.)
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10
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Bormann CL, Kanakasabapathy MK, Thirumalaraju P, Gupta R, Pooniwala R, Kandula H, Hariton E, Souter I, Dimitriadis I, Ramirez LB, Curchoe CL, Swain J, Boehnlein LM, Shafiee H. Performance of a deep learning based neural network in the selection of human blastocysts for implantation. eLife 2020; 9:e55301. [PMID: 32930094 PMCID: PMC7527234 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [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: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Deep learning in in vitro fertilization is currently being evaluated in the development of assistive tools for the determination of transfer order and implantation potential using time-lapse data collected through expensive imaging hardware. Assistive tools and algorithms that can work with static images, however, can help in improving the access to care by enabling their use with images acquired from traditional microscopes that are available to virtually all fertility centers. Here, we evaluated the use of a deep convolutional neural network (CNN), trained using single timepoint images of embryos collected at 113 hr post-insemination, in embryo selection amongst 97 clinical patient cohorts (742 embryos) and observed an accuracy of 90% in choosing the highest quality embryo available. Furthermore, a CNN trained to assess an embryo's implantation potential directly using a set of 97 euploid embryos capable of implantation outperformed 15 trained embryologists (75.26% vs. 67.35%, p<0.0001) from five different fertility centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles L Bormann
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Manoj Kumar Kanakasabapathy
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Prudhvi Thirumalaraju
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Raghav Gupta
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Rohan Pooniwala
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Hemanth Kandula
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Eduardo Hariton
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Irene Souter
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Irene Dimitriadis
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | | | - Carol L Curchoe
- San Diego Fertility CenterSan DiegoUnited States
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine IVF Laboratory NetworkEnglewoodUnited States
| | - Jason Swain
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine IVF Laboratory NetworkEnglewoodUnited States
| | - Lynn M Boehnlein
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of WisconsinMadisonUnited States
| | - Hadi Shafiee
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
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11
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Zhang L, Qi X, Ning W, Shentu L, Guo T, Zhang X, Li Y, Ma Y, Yu T, Knott JG, Cao Z, Zhang Y. Single-Cell Transcriptome Profiling Revealed That Vitrification of Somatic Cloned Porcine Blastocysts Causes Substantial Perturbations in Gene Expression. Front Genet 2020; 11:640. [PMID: 32793277 PMCID: PMC7394247 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Qi
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Ning
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Luyan Shentu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Tenglong Guo
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiangdong Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Yunsheng Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Yangyang Ma
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Tong Yu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Jason G Knott
- Developmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Zubing Cao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Yunhai Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
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12
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Hara S, Aoki S, Nagata M, Shirasuna K, Noguchi T, Iwata H. Xanthan gum and locust bean gum substrate improves bovine embryo development. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1124-1131. [PMID: 32562321 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13750] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
One of the major difference between the in vivo and in vitro embryonic environments is the stiffness of the culture substrate. Xanthan gum (XG) and locust bean gum (LBG) are natural materials that are safe, inexpensive and easy to handle. In this study, we investigated the effects of using a polysaccharide culture substrate made from 1% XG and 1% LBG (XG-LBG gel) on bovine embryonic development. Oocytes collected from bovine ovaries were subjected to maturation, and fertilization to generate embryos at an early developmental stage (>4 cell stage). Cleaved embryos were further cultured in a well of 96-well cell culture plate coated with or without XG-LBG gel for 5 days. While the developmental rate up to the blastocyst stage did not differ between the two culture systems (control, 38.0 vs. gel, 38.6%), blastocysts developed on the XG-LBG gel produced significantly high cell numbers and ATP content. Embryos cultured on XG-LBG gels for 24 hr had high expression levels of F-actin and a highly even distribution of E-cadherin. In addition, embryos developed on XG-LBG gel demonstrated increased translocation of YAP to the nucleus and increased connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) protein levels (downstream of Hippo signalling). These findings suggest that soft culture substrates improve embryonic development by enhancing mechanotransduction, including YAP-CTGF signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Hara
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Sogo Aoki
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Miki Nagata
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Koumei Shirasuna
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Noguchi
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Hisataka Iwata
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
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13
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Kordowitzki P, Hamdi M, Derevyanko A, Rizos D, Blasco M. The effect of rapamycin on bovine oocyte maturation success and metaphase telomere length maintenance. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:7576-7584. [PMID: 32339158 PMCID: PMC7202508 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Maternal aging-associated reduction of oocyte viability is a common feature in mammals, but more research is needed to counteract this process. In women, the first aging phenotype appears with a decline in reproductive function, and the follicle number gradually decreases from menarche to menopause. Cows can be used as a model of early human embryonic development and reproductive aging because both species share a very high degree of similarity during follicle selection, cleavage, and blastocyst formation. Recently, it has been proposed that the main driver of aging is the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling rather than reactive oxygen species. Based on these observations, the study aimed to investigate for the first time the possible role of rapamycin on oocyte maturation, embryonic development, and telomere length in the bovine species, as a target for future strategies for female infertility caused by advanced maternal age. The 1nm rapamycin in vitro treatment showed the best results for maturation rates (95.21±4.18%) of oocytes and was considered for further experiments. In conclusion, rapamycin influenced maturation rates of oocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. Our results also suggest a possible link between mTOR, telomere maintenance, and bovine blastocyst formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Kordowitzki
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland.,Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Meriem Hamdi
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Department of Animal Reproduction, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aksinya Derevyanko
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Department of Animal Reproduction, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Blasco
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
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14
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Abstract
Aerobic glycolysis is a recognized feature shared by tumors, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid in their local microenvironments. Like the tumors, the blastocysts, placenta, trophoblasts and decidual immune cells can also produce a large amount of lactic acid through aerobic glycolysis during the early pregnancy. Moreover, the placenta expresses the transporters of the lactic acid. While several studies have described the role of lactic acid in the tumor microenvironment, especially lactic acid's modulation of immune cells, the role of lactic acid produced during pregnancy is still unclear. In this paper, we reviewed the scientific evidence detailing the effects of lactic acid in the tumor microenvironment. Based on the influence of the lactic acid on immune cells and tumors, we proposed that lactic acid released in the unique uterine environment could have similar effects on the trophoblast cells and immune cells during the early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Na Ma
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kahindo P Muyayalo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gil Mor
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Ai-Hua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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15
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Li YX, Wang J, Sun TZ, Lv MQ, Ge P, Li HN, Zhou DX. Pregnancy outcomes after day 5 versus day 6 blastocyst-stage embryo transfer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2020; 46:595-605. [PMID: 32022423 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
AIM To compare the pregnancy outcomes after day 5 blastocyst-stage embryo transfers (BET) versus day 6 BET following vitrified-warmed cycle and to evaluate whether the number of embryos transferred and the chromosomal status of embryo influence effect estimates. METHODS A literature search (PubMed, Embase and MEDLINE) up to January 2019 was conducted to identify studies where women with day 6 BET were compared to women with day 5 BET. Only studies published in English language, on peer-reviewed journal were considered eligible. The following subgroup analyses were performed: (i) number of embryos transferred and (ii) chromosomal status of embryo. RESULTS From a total of 1956 articles identified, 23 observational studies were included in the meta-analysis. We observed that day 6 BET were associated with lower implantation rate (risk ratio, RR: 1.17, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.10-1.24), clinical pregnancy rate (RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.10-1.24), ongoing pregnancy rate (RR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.07-1.24) and live birth rate (RR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.11-1.33) than day 5 BET following vitrified-warmed cycle. The subgroup analysis found that the superiority of day 5 BET compared with day 6 BET is influenced by the number of embryos transferred and chromosomal status of embryos. CONCLUSION Current evidence shows that day 5 BET is superior to day 6 BET following vitrified-warmed cycle in clinical practice. Due to the overall low quality of available evidence, more larger and well-conducted studies are needed to compare the pregnancy outcomes between day 5 and day 6 BET before drawing a clear conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xin Li
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, China.,Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Xi'an, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xi'an Angel Women's & Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Tian-Ze Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, China.,Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Xi'an, China.,Department of Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mo-Qi Lv
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, China.,Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Xi'an, China
| | - Pan Ge
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, China.,Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Xi'an, China
| | - Hao-Nan Li
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, China.,Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Xi'an, China.,Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dang-Xia Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, China.,Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Xi'an, China
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16
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Ichikawa K, Shibahara H, Shirasuna K, Kuwayama T, Iwata H. Cell-free DNA content in follicular fluid: A marker for the developmental ability of porcine oocytes. Reprod Med Biol 2020; 19:95-103. [PMID: 31956291 PMCID: PMC6955585 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study examined the relationships among the amount of cell-free-DNA (cfDNA) in porcine follicular fluid (FF), the developmental ability of enclosed oocytes, and characteristics of granulosa cells and examined the effect of cfDNA content in maturation medium on the developmental ability of the oocytes. METHODS Oocytes and FF were collected from individual gilts, and the gilts were rated based on the ability of their oocytes to develop to the blastocyst stage and the amount of cfDNA in the FF. The copy numbers of mitochondrial DNA (Mt-DNA) and nuclear DNA (N-DNA) were measured by real-time PCR and the DNA sequence. FF or cfDNA was added to the maturation medium, and the developmental ability of the oocytes was examined. RESULTS The amount of cfDNA was associated with apoptosis of the granulosa cells, and high-cfDNA content in FF was associated with low developmental ability of oocytes. Supplementation of the maturation medium with FF containing high cf-Mt-DNA or with DNA extracted from the FF did not affect oocyte developmental competence. CONCLUSIONS Cell-free DNA content in FF is a marker for oocyte competence, but cfDNA in the oocyte maturation environment did not affect oocyte developmental ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kana Ichikawa
- Department of Animal ScienceTokyo University of AgricultureKanagawaJapan
| | - Hidenori Shibahara
- Department of Animal ScienceTokyo University of AgricultureKanagawaJapan
| | - Komei Shirasuna
- Department of Animal ScienceTokyo University of AgricultureKanagawaJapan
| | - Takehito Kuwayama
- Department of Animal ScienceTokyo University of AgricultureKanagawaJapan
| | - Hisataka Iwata
- Department of Animal ScienceTokyo University of AgricultureKanagawaJapan
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17
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Xia L, Zhao S, Xu H, Wu X, Zhang A, Niu Z. Miscarriage Rate Is High With Frozen-Thawed Blastocysts Arising From Poor-Quality Cleavage Stage Embryos. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:561085. [PMID: 33042021 PMCID: PMC7525122 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.561085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryos with low morphological scores can still develop to the blastocyst stage and result in good clinical outcomes. However, no studies have reported the possible effects of transferring cryopreserved blastocysts developed from poor-quality cleavage stage embryos on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. In this retrospective study, the clinical value of transferring blastocysts derived from day 3 poor-quality cleavage stage embryos during in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer procedures was evaluated. According to the quality of embryos on day 3 from which the transferred blastocyst originated, patients were divided into three groups: poor-quality (111 cycles, group A), good-quality (235 cycles, group B), and top-quality (119 cycles, group C). Group A experienced the highest miscarriage rate (30.2%) which was increased when compared to group C (12.5%) (P = 0.03). The clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates were not significantly different among the three groups. However, good blastocyst originating from top day 3 embryos resulted in higher live birth rate. Of the 218 live births, no differences in obstetric and perinatal outcomes were noted among the three groups. The results showed that extended culture of poor-quality cleavage stage embryos could resulted in favorable clinical pregnancy rates but at a higher incidence of miscarriages. Meanwhile, the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes was not increased.
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18
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Xia L, Zhao S, Xu H, Wu X, Zhang A, Niu Z. Corrigendum: Miscarriage Rate Is High With Frozen-Thawed Blastocysts Arising From Poor-Quality Cleavage Stage Embryos. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:613921. [PMID: 33324352 PMCID: PMC7727598 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.613921] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.561085.].
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Aijun Zhang
- *Correspondence: Aijun Zhang, ; Zhihong Niu,
| | - Zhihong Niu
- *Correspondence: Aijun Zhang, ; Zhihong Niu,
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19
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Le QA, Hirata M, Nguyen NT, Takebayashi K, Wittayarat M, Sato Y, Namula Z, Nii M, Tanihara F, Otoi T. Effects of electroporation treatment using different concentrations of Cas9 protein with gRNA targeting Myostatin (MSTN) genes on the development and gene editing of porcine zygotes. Anim Sci J 2020; 91:e13386. [PMID: 32512638 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of seven concentrations of Cas9 protein (0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 ng/µl) on the development and gene editing of porcine embryos. This included the target editing and off-target effect of embryos developed from zygotes that were edited via electroporation of the Cas9 protein with guide RNA targeting Myostatin genes. We found that the development to blastocysts of electroporated zygotes was not affected by the concentration of Cas9 protein. Although the editing rate, which was defined as the ratio of edited blastocysts to total examined blastocysts, did not differ with Cas9 protein concentration, the editing efficiency, which was defined as the frequency of indel mutations in each edited blastocyst, was significantly decreased in the edited blastocysts from zygotes electroporated with 25 ng/µl of Cas9 protein compared with that of blastocysts from zygotes electroporated with higher Cas9 protein concentrations. Moreover the frequency of indel events at the two possible off-target sites was not significantly different with different concentrations of Cas9 protein. These results indicate that the concentration of Cas9 protein affects gene editing efficiency in embryos but not the embryonic development, gene editing rate, and non-specific cleavage of off-target sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quynh A Le
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Maki Hirata
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Nhien T Nguyen
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Koki Takebayashi
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Manita Wittayarat
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Yoko Sato
- School of Biological Science, Tokai University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Zhao Namula
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Masahiro Nii
- Tokushima Prefectural Livestock Research Institute, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Fuminori Tanihara
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Takeshige Otoi
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
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20
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Tehraninejad ES, Raisi E, Ghaleh FB, Rashidi BH, Aziminekoo E, Kalantari V, Haghollahi F, Shariat M. The sequential embryo transfer compared to blastocyst embryo transfer in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle in patients with the three repeated consecutive IVF. A randomized controlled trial. Gynecol Endocrinol 2019; 35:955-959. [PMID: 31092077 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1613639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the pregnancy rate in the double sequential transfer of embryos on both day 3 and day 5 compared to day 5 alone, in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF/ET) in patients with the three repeated consecutive IVF failures. In this controlled trial, women scheduled for IVF/ET with the three repeated consecutive IVF failures were randomized to either sequential transfer of embryos on day 2 and on day 5 after ovum pick-up (group 1, n = 60) or blastocyst ET on day 5 (group 2, n = 60) as a control group. The primary outcome measures were the chemical and clinical pregnancy rate. Baseline and cycle characteristics were comparable in both groups. Chemical and clinical pregnancy rate was similar in the sequential ET group (40%) compared to the day 5 of ET group (38.3%) (p value = .85). It seems that the double ET does not increase the chance of pregnancy rate compared to blastocyst ET on day 5 in the patients with the three repeated IVF-ET failures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elham Raisi
- Vali -Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Fatemeh Bakhtiyari Ghaleh
- Vali -Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Batool Hossein Rashidi
- Vali -Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Elham Aziminekoo
- Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Enstein University , Bronx , NY , USA
| | - Vahid Kalantari
- American University of Integrated Medicine, St. Maarten School of Medicine Office , Cole Bay , St. Maarten
| | - Fedyeh Haghollahi
- Vali -Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Mamak Shariat
- Maternal, Fetal & Neonatal Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
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21
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Lagah SV, Sood TJ, Palta P, Mukesh M, Chauhan MS, Manik RS, Singh MK, Singla SK. Selection of Reference miRNAs for Relative Quantification in Buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis) Blastocysts Produced by Hand-Made Cloning and In Vitro Fertilization. Cell Reprogram 2019; 21:200-209. [PMID: 31199674 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2019.0022] [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] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Very low birth rate and a high incidence of abnormalities in offspring born from cloned embryos, which have limited the application of cloning technology on a wide scale, are believed to be because of incomplete or aberrant nuclear reprogramming. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in regulating a wide range of biological processes including reprogramming and embryonic development. Selection of suitable reference miRNAs is critical for normalization of data for accurate relative quantification of miRNAs by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), which is currently the most widely used technique for quantifying miRNAs. This study was aimed at identification of reference miRNAs suitable for normalization of qRT-PCR data from blastocyst-stage buffalo embryos produced by handmade cloning and in vitro fertilization (IVF). RNA isolated from cloned and IVF blastocysts was subjected to next-generation sequencing based on which, 12 highly and most consistently expressed miRNAs, which included miR-92a, miR-423, miR-151, Let-7a, miR-103a, miR-93, miR-16b, miR-25, miR-30e, miR-101, miR-127, and miR-197, were selected as candidates for identification of suitable reference miRNAs using three statistical algorithms namely geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper. Based on consensus of the three algorithms, the combination of miRNAs found to be suitable as reference miRNAs were miR-127 and miR-103 for IVF blastocysts; miR-92a and miR-103 for cloned blastocysts, and miR-103, miR-423, and miR-93 across both IVF and cloned blastocysts. The data of this study can be very useful in miRNA expression analysis of blastocyst-stage cloned and IVF embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Viviyan Lagah
- 1Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India.,2Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tanushri Jerath Sood
- 1Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Prabhat Palta
- 1Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Manishi Mukesh
- 3ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Manmohan Singh Chauhan
- 1Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Radhey Shyam Manik
- 1Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Manoj Kumar Singh
- 1Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Suresh Kumar Singla
- 1Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
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22
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Hayashi T, Kansaku K, Abe T, Ueda S, Iwata H. Effects of resveratrol treatment on mitochondria and subsequent embryonic development of bovine blastocysts cryopreserved by slow freezing. Anim Sci J 2019; 90:849-856. [PMID: 31067600 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of cryopreservation by slow freezing on the mitochondrial function, DNA integrity, and developmental ability of bovine embryos and examined whether resveratrol treatment of the frozen-thawed blastocysts improved embryonic viability. In vitro produced bovine embryos were subjected to slow freezing. After thawing, the ATP content and mitochondrial DNA integrity (mtDNA), determined by real-time PCR targeting short and long mitochondrial sequences, was found to be lower in frozen-thawed embryos than in fresh embryos, and mtDNA copy number was significantly reduced during the 24-hr incubation post warming. Furthermore, immunostaining against double-strand DNA revealed DNA damage in frozen-thawed embryos. When frozen-thawed embryos were incubated in the medium containing 0.5 µM resveratrol, SIRT1 expression, and survival rate of the embryos significantly improved compared with the vehicle-treated embryos. In addition, cell-free mtDNA content in medium was higher in case of resveratrol-treated embryos than of vehicle-treated embryos. In conclusion, slow freezing affects mitochondrial integrity and function in the blastocysts. In the frozen-thawed embryos, mitochondria were removed during post-thawing incubation and resveratrol enhanced the process, resulting in improved survivability of the embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Hayashi
- Department of Animal production, Fukuoka Agriculture and Forestry Research Center, Chikushino, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuki Kansaku
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Takahito Abe
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Shuji Ueda
- Department of Animal production, Fukuoka Agriculture and Forestry Research Center, Chikushino, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hisataka Iwata
- Department of Animal Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Atsugi, Japan
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23
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Xiang DC, Jia BY, Quan GB, Zhang B, Shao QY, Zhao ZY, Hong QH, Wu GQ. Effect of Knockout Serum Replacement During Postwarming Recovery Culture on the Development and Quality of Vitrified Parthenogenetic Porcine Blastocysts. Biopreserv Biobank 2019; 17:342-351. [PMID: 31009253 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2018.0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The postwarming recovery culture, as one of the steps in cryopreservation process, is directly correlated with the survival and quality of embryos. Generally, recovery medium includes undefined serum or serum components that may cause the instability of results and other problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of knockout serum replacement (KSR) as a substitute for serum during recovery culture on the development and quality of vitrified parthenogenetic porcine blastocysts. Fetal bovine serum (FBS) was used as a positive control. The expanded blastocysts on day 5 were vitrified by the Cryotop method, and recovered with 10% (v/v) KSR or 10% (v/v) FBS for 48 hours after warming. Survival and hatching rates of vitrified blastocysts were significantly increased by KSR or FBS supplementation. The vitrified blastocysts recovered in KSR or FBS exhibited significantly decreased percentages of membrane damage and apoptosis, and increased total cells. Addition of KSR or FBS during recovery culture significantly reduced reactive oxygen species levels, and improved mitochondrial activity and adenosine triphosphates content in the vitrified blastocysts. Vitrification did not affect the gene expression of PCNA, CDX2, and CPT1, but significantly increased mRNA levels of POU5F1 and uPA. KSR added to the recovery medium significantly upregulated mRNA levels of PCNA and CPT1, and downregulated POU5F1 mRNA levels. The expression levels of PCNA, CDX2, CPT1, and uPA in vitrified blastocysts were significantly upregulated by addition of FBS to recovery medium. Moreover, the BAX: BCL2L1 ratio was similar between fresh and vitrified blastocysts, and KSR or FBS supplementation had no effect on the value. In conclusion, our data showed that KSR supplementation during recovery culture can improve the development and quality of vitrified parthenogenetic porcine blastocysts. These findings provide a useful reference that KSR could be used to replace FBS as a defined serum supplement for recovery culture of vitrified blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- De Cai Xiang
- 1Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Bao Yu Jia
- 2College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Guo Bo Quan
- 1Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zhang
- 1Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Qing Yong Shao
- 1Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Zhi Yong Zhao
- 1Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Qiong Hua Hong
- 1Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Guo Quan Wu
- 1Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, P.R. China
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24
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Mendel M, Chen KM, Homolka D, Gos P, Pandey RR, McCarthy AA, Pillai RS. Methylation of Structured RNA by the m 6A Writer METTL16 Is Essential for Mouse Embryonic Development. Mol Cell 2018; 71:986-1000.e11. [PMID: 30197299 PMCID: PMC6162343 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.2] [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: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Internal modification of RNAs with N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a highly conserved means of gene expression control. While the METTL3/METTL14 heterodimer adds this mark on thousands of transcripts in a single-stranded context, the substrate requirements and physiological roles of the second m6A writer METTL16 remain unknown. Here we describe the crystal structure of human METTL16 to reveal a methyltransferase domain furnished with an extra N-terminal module, which together form a deep-cut groove that is essential for RNA binding. When presented with a random pool of RNAs, METTL16 selects for methylation-structured RNAs where the critical adenosine is present in a bulge. Mouse 16-cell embryos lacking Mettl16 display reduced mRNA levels of its methylation target, the SAM synthetase Mat2a. The consequence is massive transcriptome dysregulation in ∼64-cell blastocysts that are unfit for further development. This highlights the role of an m6A RNA methyltransferase in facilitating early development via regulation of SAM availability. Structure of the METTL16 m6A writer domain with a unique N-terminal module N-terminal module of METTL16 is essential for charge-based binding to RNA METTL16 preferentially methylates adenosines within structured RNAs Regulation of Mat2a mRNA by Mettl16 is essential for mouse embryonic development
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Mendel
- Department of Molecular Biology, Science III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Kuan-Ming Chen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Science III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - David Homolka
- Department of Molecular Biology, Science III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Gos
- Department of Molecular Biology, Science III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Radha Raman Pandey
- Department of Molecular Biology, Science III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Andrew A McCarthy
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Grenoble Outstation, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Ramesh S Pillai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Science III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
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25
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Santos-Junior MN, Rezende IS, Souza CLS, Barbosa MS, Campos GB, Brito LF, Queiroz ÉC, Barbosa EN, Teixeira MM, Da Silva LO, Silva LSC, Nascimento FS, Da Silva TL, Martens AA, Siqueira AFP, Assumpção MEOD, Machado-Santelli GM, Bastos BL, Guimarães AMS, Timenetsky J, Marques LM. Ureaplasma diversum and Its Membrane-Associated Lipoproteins Activate Inflammatory Genes Through the NF-κB Pathway via Toll-Like Receptor 4. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1538. [PMID: 30050519 PMCID: PMC6052353 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives:Ureaplasma diversum is a pathogen of cows that may cause intense inflammatory responses in the reproductive tract and interfere with bovine reproduction. The aims of this study were to evaluate the immune response of bovine blastocysts and macrophages to U. diversum infection and to evaluate the invasion capacity of this microorganism in bovine blastocysts. Methods: Viable and heat-inactivated U. diversum strains ATCC 49782 and CI-GOTA and their extracted membrane lipoproteins were inoculated in macrophages in the presence or absence of signaling blockers of Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) 4, TLR2/4, and Nuclear Factor KB (NF-κB). In addition, the same viable U. diversum strains were used to infect bovine blastocysts. RNA was extracted from infected and lipoprotein-exposed macrophages and infected blastocysts and assayed by qPCR to evaluate the expression of Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), TLR2 and TLR4 genes. U. diversum internalization in blastocysts was followed by confocal microscopy. Results: Both Ureaplasma strains and different concentrations of extracted lipoproteins induced a higher gene expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, TLR2, and TLR4 in macrophages (p < 0.05) when compared to non-infected cells. The used blockers inhibited the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α in all treatments. Moreover, U. diversum was able to internalize within blastocysts and induce a higher gene expression of IL-1b and TNF- α when compared to non-infected blastocysts (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The obtained results strongly suggest that U. diversum and its lipoproteins interact with TLR4 in a signaling pathway acting via NF-kB signaling to stimulate the inflammatory response. This is the first study to evaluate the in vitro immunological response of macrophages and bovine blastocysts against U. diversum. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the immunomodulatory activity and pathogenicity of this infectious agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoel N Santos-Junior
- Department of Biointeraction, Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, Brazil.,Department of Microbiology, State University of Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Izadora S Rezende
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Clarissa L S Souza
- Department of Biointeraction, Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, Brazil
| | - Maysa S Barbosa
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme B Campos
- Department of Biointeraction, Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, Brazil.,Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Laís F Brito
- Department of Biointeraction, Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, Brazil
| | - Éllunny C Queiroz
- Department of Biointeraction, Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, Brazil
| | - Elaine N Barbosa
- Department of Biointeraction, Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, Brazil
| | - Mariana M Teixeira
- Department of Biointeraction, Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, Brazil
| | - Letícia O Da Silva
- Department of Biointeraction, Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, Brazil
| | - Lucas S C Silva
- Department of Biointeraction, Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, Brazil
| | - Flávia S Nascimento
- Department of Biointeraction, Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, Brazil
| | - Tassyo L Da Silva
- Department of Biointeraction, Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, Brazil
| | - Adam A Martens
- Department of Cellular Biology and Development, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriano F P Siqueira
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mayra E O D'Avila Assumpção
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Glaucia M Machado-Santelli
- Department of Cellular Biology and Development, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno L Bastos
- Department of Biointeraction, Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, Brazil
| | - Ana M S Guimarães
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jorge Timenetsky
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas M Marques
- Department of Biointeraction, Multidisciplinary Institute of Health, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, Brazil.,Department of Microbiology, State University of Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus, Brazil.,Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Romero S, Pella R, Escudero F, Pérez Y, García M, Orihuela P. Occurrence of ovarian follicular dominance during stimulation for IVM impacts usable blastocyst yield. JBRA Assist Reprod 2018; 22:56-60. [PMID: 29338139 PMCID: PMC5844661 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20180006] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of ovarian follicular dominance on the outcome of oocyte in-vitro maturation. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 21 patients with polycystic ovaries or polycystic ovary syndrome (Rotterdam criteria, 2004) subjected to 24 invitro maturation (IVM) cycles between October 2015 and January 2017. Patients undergoing IVM received minimal gonadotropin stimulation starting on day 2 or 3 of the cycle; ovum pick-up typically occurred on days 6 to 8. No hCG-trigger shot was given. Following 30h of IVM, mature oocytes were inseminated by ICSI and the resulting embryos cultured up to the blastocyst stage. RESULTS Ovarian follicular dominance was observed in nine of the 24 IVM cycles. Oocyte IVM yielded an overall maturation rate of 69.3±23.8%, and no difference was observed when the groups with or without a dominant follicle were assessed independently. The rates of fertilization and usable blastocysts per fertilized oocyte, mature oocyte (Metaphase II) or cumulus-oocyte-complex were nearly three times higher (28.7±22.5%) in the group without ovarian follicular dominance. No differences were found in the clinical pregnancy rates attained by the individuals with or without a dominant follicle after 21 vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer cycles. CONCLUSION Occurrence of ovarian follicular dominance during hormonal stimulation for in-vitro maturation negatively impacted embryological outcomes. Strategies devised to limit the appearance of ovarian follicular dominance must be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Romero
- Centro de Fertilidad y Reproducción Asistida CEFRA, Dirección de Investigación, Lima, Peru
| | - Ricardo Pella
- Centro de Fertilidad y Reproducción Asistida CEFRA, Laboratorio de Embriología, Lima, Peru
| | - Francisco Escudero
- Centro de Fertilidad y Reproducción Asistida CEFRA, Dirección Médica, Lima, Peru
| | - Ygor Pérez
- Centro de Fertilidad y Reproducción Asistida CEFRA, Dirección Médica, Lima, Peru
| | - Mario García
- Centro de Fertilidad y Reproducción Asistida CEFRA, Dirección Médica, Lima, Peru
| | - Patricia Orihuela
- Centro de Fertilidad y Reproducción Asistida CEFRA, Dirección Médica, Lima, Peru
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Christodoulou C, Dheedene A, Heindryckx B, van Nieuwerburgh F, Deforce D, De Sutter P, Menten B, Van den Abbeel E. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis for chromosomal rearrangements with the use of array comparative genomic hybridization at the blastocyst stage. Fertil Steril 2016. [PMID: 27793373 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.09.045.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish the value of array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in embryos of translocation carriers in combination with vitrification and frozen embryo transfer in nonstimulated cycles. DESIGN Retrospective data analysis study. SETTING Academic centers for reproductive medicine and genetics. PATIENT(S) Thirty-four couples undergoing PGD for chromosomal rearrangements from October 2013 to December 2015. INTERVENTION(S) Trophectoderm biopsy at day 5 or day 6 of embryo development and subsequently whole genome amplification and array CGH were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) This approach revealed a high occurrence of aneuploidies and structural rearrangements unrelated to the parental rearrangement. Nevertheless, we observed a benefit in pregnancy rates of these couples. RESULT(S) We detected chromosomal abnormalities in 133/207 embryos (64.2% of successfully amplified), and 74 showed a normal microarray profile (35.7%). In 48 of the 133 abnormal embryos (36.1%), an unbalanced rearrangement originating from the parental translocation was identified. Interestingly, 34.6% of the abnormal embryos (46/133) harbored chromosome rearrangements that were not directly linked to the parental translocation in question. We also detected a combination of unbalanced parental-derived rearrangements and aneuploidies in 27 of the 133 abnormal embryos (20.3%). CONCLUSION(S) The use of trophectoderm biopsy at the blastocyst stage is less detrimental to the survival of the embryo and leads to a more reliable estimate of the genomic content of the embryo than cleavage-stage biopsy. In this small cohort PGD study, we describe the successful implementation of array CGH analysis of blastocysts in patients with a chromosomal rearrangement to identify euploid embryos for transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christodoulos Christodoulou
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team, Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Annelies Dheedene
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team, Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Filip van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team, Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Menten
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Etienne Van den Abbeel
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team, Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Velazquez MA, Smith CGC, Smyth NR, Osmond C, Fleming TP. Advanced maternal age causes adverse programming of mouse blastocysts leading to altered growth and impaired cardiometabolic health in post-natal life. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:1970-80. [PMID: 27402911 PMCID: PMC4991661 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does advanced maternal age (AMA) in mice affect cardiometabolic health during post-natal life in offspring derived from an assisted reproduction technology (ART) procedure? SUMMARY ANSWER Offspring derived from blastocysts collected from aged female mice displayed impaired body weight gain, blood pressure, glucose metabolism and organ allometry during post-natal life compared with offspring derived from blastocysts from young females; since all blastocysts were transferred to normalized young mothers, this effect is independent of maternal pregnancy conditions. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Although studies in mice have shown that AMA can affect body weight and behaviour of offspring derived from natural reproduction, data on the effects of AMA on offspring cardiometabolic health during post-natal development are not available. Given the increasing use of ART to alleviate infertility in women of AMA, it is pivotal to develop ART-AMA models addressing the effects of maternal aging on offspring health. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Blastocysts from old (34-39 weeks) or young (8-9 weeks) C57BL/6 females mated with young CBA males (13-15 weeks) were either subjected to differential cell staining (inner cell mass and trophectoderm) or underwent embryo transfer (ET) into young MF1 surrogates (8-9 weeks) to produce young (Young-ET, 9 litters) and old (Old-ET, 10 litters) embryo-derived offspring. Offspring health monitoring was carried out for 30 weeks. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS All animals were fed with standard chow. Blood pressure was measured at post-natal Weeks 9, 15 and 21, and at post-natal Week 30 a glucose tolerance test (GTT) was performed. Two days after the GTT mice were killed for organ allometry. Blastocyst cell allocation variables were evaluated by T-test and developmental data were analysed with a multilevel random effects regression model. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The total number of cells in blastocysts from aged mice was decreased (P < 0.05) relative to young mice due to a lower number of cells in the trophectoderm (mean ± SEM: 34.5 ± 2.1 versus 29.6 ± 1.0). Weekly body weight did not differ in male offspring, but an increase in body weight from Week 13 onwards was observed in Old-ET females (final body weight at post-natal Week 30: 38.5 ± 0.8 versus 33.4 ± 0.8 g, P < 0.05). Blood pressure was increased in Old-ET offspring at Weeks 9-15 in males (Week 9: 108.5 ± 3.13 versus 100.8 ± 1.5 mmHg, Week 15: 112.9 ± 3.2 versus 103.4 ± 2.1 mmHg) and Week 15 in females (115.9 ± 3.7 versus 102.8 ± 0.7 mmHg; all P < 0.05 versus Young-ET). The GTT results and organ allometry were not affected in male offspring. In contrast, Old-ET females displayed a greater (P < 0.05) peak glucose concentration at 30 min during the GTT (21.1 ± 0.4 versus 17.8 ± 1.16 mmol/l) and their spleen weight (88.2 ± 2.6 ± 105.1 ± 4.6 mg) and several organ:body weight ratios (g/g × 10(3)) were decreased (P < 0.05 versus Young-ET), including the heart (3.7 ± 0.06 versus 4.4 ± 0.08), lungs (4.4 ± 0.1 versus 5.0 ± 0.1), spleen (2.4 ± 0.06 versus 3.2 ± 0.1) and liver (36.4 ± 0.6 versus 39.1 ± 0.9). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Results from experimental animal models cannot be extrapolated to humans. Nevertheless, they are valuable to develop conceptual models that can produce hypotheses for eventual testing in the target species (i.e. humans). WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our data show that offspring from mouse embryos from aged mothers can develop altered phenotypes during post-natal development compared with embryos from young mothers. Because all embryos were transferred into young mothers for the duration of pregnancy to normalize the maternal in vivo environment, our findings indicate that adverse programming via AMA is already established at the blastocyst stage. Whilst human embryos display increased aneuploidy compared with mouse, we believe our data have implications for women of AMA undergoing assisted reproduction, including surrogacy programmes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported through the European Union FP7-CP-FP Epihealth programme (278418) to T.P.F. and the BBSRC (BB/F007450/1) to T.P.F. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Velazquez
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK School of Agriculture, Food & Rural Development, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - C G C Smith
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - N R Smyth
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - C Osmond
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - T P Fleming
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
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Duan X, Li Y, Di K, Huang Y, Li X. [A nonsurgical embryo transfer technique in mice]. Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao 2016; 32:440-446. [PMID: 28853265 DOI: 10.13345/j.cjb.150333] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Although efficient nonsurgical transfer of embryos in mice would provide many advantages over a surgical method, the low success rate of nonsurgical transfer has hampered its acceptance and use. Here, a plastic catheter was used to mimic embryo transfer process and then the transfer efficiency was evaluated by intrauterine trypan blue dye dispersion. Also 3.5-day blastocysts from natural pregnant mice were transferred through cervix into uterine horns. The results show that 70.9% of CD-1 mouse 3.5-day blastocysts transferred into unilateral uterine horns of pseudopregnant 2.5-day recipients can be developed to live newborns, and an efficient mouse nonsurgical embryo transfer technique was established. The technique was simple, rapid, inexpensive, unlikely to get contaminated, ethical and do not need specialized apparatus, and can completely replace surgical embryo transfer techniques. Moreover, the mouse nonsurgical embryo transfer technique provides a research model for human and other large animal embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinchong Duan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, Hebei, China
| | - Yang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, Hebei, China
| | - Keqian Di
- Centre of Laboratory Animal Faculty of Medicine, Hebei University, Baoding 071001, Hebei, China
| | - Yong Huang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry Engineering, Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Xiangyun Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, Hebei, China
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the possible effect of controlled ovarian stimulation on the perinatal outcomes of assisted reproductive technology pregnancies, by comparing the outcomes from fresh ET with frozen ET (FET) with blastocysts of similar quality. DESIGN Retrospective observational study. SETTING Private fertility center. PATIENT(S) Seven hundred eighty-four fresh transfers and 382 vitrified-warmed double blastocyst transfers. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Miscarriage, perinatal mortality, preterm delivery, live birth, live-birth weights, and gestational age of live births. RESULT(S) FET resulted in higher implantation rates (51.5% vs. 40.6%), higher live-birth rates per transfer (56.8% vs. 44.3%), and lower ectopic pregnancy rates (0.32% vs. 1.80%). FET pregnancies also had higher day 14 βhCG levels per implantation (148.2 vs. 176.2 IU/L) and higher infant birth weights (singletons Δ109.4 g, twins Δ124 g). Female infants benefitted the most in terms of birth weight. Miscarriage, premature delivery, perinatal morbidity, and live birth per pregnancy were all nonsignificantly different between fresh ET and FET. CONCLUSION(S) Clinically significant differences between the peri-implantation and perinatal outcomes of fresh ET and FET suggest better endometrial receptivity and placentation in FET cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemal Ozgur
- Antalya IVF, Özel Antalya Tüp Bebek Merkezi, Antalya, Turkey.
| | | | - Hasan Bulut
- Antalya IVF, Özel Antalya Tüp Bebek Merkezi, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital and Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kevin Coetzee
- Antalya IVF, Özel Antalya Tüp Bebek Merkezi, Antalya, Turkey
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Mori M, Hayashi T, Isozaki Y, Takenouchi N, Sakatani M. Heat shock decreases the embryonic quality of frozen-thawed bovine blastocysts produced in vitro. J Reprod Dev 2015; 61:423-9. [PMID: 26096768 PMCID: PMC4623148 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2015-003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, the effect of heat shock on frozen-thawed blastocysts was evaluated using in vitro-produced (IVP) bovine embryos. In experiment 1, the effects of 6 h of heat shock at 41.0 C on fresh blastocysts were evaluated. HSPA1A expression as a reflection of stress was increased by heat shock (P < 0.05), but the expressions of the quality markers IFNT and POU5F1 were not affected. In experiment 2, frozen-thawed blastocysts were incubated at 38.5 C for 6 h (cryo-con) or exposed to heat shock at 41.0 C for 6 h (cryo-HS). Then, blastocysts were cultured at 38.5 C until 48 h after thawing (both conditions). Cryo-HS blastocysts exhibited a decreased recovery rate: HSPA1A expression was dramatically increased compared with that in fresh or cryo-con blastocysts at 6 h, and IFNT expression was decreased compared with that in cryo-con blastocysts at 6 h (both P < 0.05). Cryo-con blastocysts at 6 h also exhibited higher HSPA1A expression than fresh blastocysts (P < 0.05). At 48 h after thawing, the number of hatched blastocysts and blastocyst diameter were lower in cryo-HS blastocysts (P < 0.05). Cryo-con blastocysts showed lower POU5F1 levels at 48 h than fresh, cryo-con or cryo-HS blastocysts at 6 h (P < 0.05), but their POU5F1 levels were not different from those of cryo-HS blastocysts at 48 h. These results indicated that application of heat shock to frozen-thawed blastocysts was highly damaging. The increase in damage by the interaction of freezing-thawing and heat shock might be one reason for the low conception rate in frozen-thawed embryo transfer in summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyuki Mori
- Fukuoka Agriculture and Forestry Research Center, Fukuoka 818-8549, Japan
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Kasterstein E, Strassburger D, Komarovsky D, Bern O, Komsky A, Raziel A, Friedler S, Ron-El R. The effect of two distinct levels of oxygen concentration on embryo development in a sibling oocyte study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2013. [PMID: 23835722 PMCID: PMC3790112 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-0032-z,] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This prospective randomized study used sibling oocytes of 258 women with ≥8 oocytes to compare the effect of 5 % O(2) versus 20 % O(2) concentrations on embryo development and clinical outcome. METHODS Oocytes of each case were divided between incubators with either 5 % or 20 % O(2) concentration. Outcome measures were fertilization, cleavage, embryo quality, blastocyst formation, and implantation, pregnancy and live birth rates. RESULTS Fertilization and cleavage rates were similar in both groups. The 5 % O(2) group had significantly more blastomeres (P < 0.05) and more top-quality embryos on day 3 (P < 0.02), as well as significantly more available embryos for transfer (31.6 % vs. 23.1 % for the 20 % O(2) group; P < 0.0001). There were significantly more cycles with good embryos in the 5 % group (76/258) than in the 20 % group (38/258) (P < 0.0001). Implantation and pregnancy rates were significantly higher for 5 % O(2) embryos (P < 0.03 and P < 0.05, respectively). Live birth rates per embryo transfer were 34.2 % and 15.8 %, respectively, P < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS Implantation, pregnancy and live birth rates are higher, and more good quality embryos are available for transfer and freezing with reduced rather than with atmospheric oxygen concentrations during embryo incubation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esti Kasterstein
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, 70300, Israel,
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Wang Y, Smedberg JL, Cai CQ, Capo-chichi DC, Xu XX. Ectopic expression of GATA6 bypasses requirement for Grb2 in primitive endoderm formation. Dev Dyn 2011; 240:566-76. [PMID: 20925113 PMCID: PMC3299199 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene knockouts in mice have showed that Grb2 and GATA6 are essential for the formation of primitive endoderm in blastocysts. Here, we confirmed that implanted Grb2-null blastocysts lack primitive or extraembryonic endoderm cells either at E4.5 or E5.5 stages. We analyzed the relationship between Grb2 and GATA6 in the differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells to primitive endoderm in embryoid body models. Upon transfection with GATA6 expression vector, Grb2-null ES cells underwent endoderm differentiation as indicated by the expression of the extraembryonic endoderm markers Dab2 and GATA4. Transfection of GATA4 expression vector also had the same differentiation potency. When GATA6- or GATA4-transfected Grb2-null ES cells were allowed to aggregate, fragments of an endoderm layer formed on the surface of the spheroids. The results suggest that GATA6 is downstream of Grb2 in the inductive signaling pathway and the expression of GATA6 is sufficient to compensate for the defects caused by Grb2 deficiency in the development of the primitive and extraembryonic endoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Jennifer L. Smedberg
- Department of Medical Oncology and Ovarian Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Cathy Qi Cai
- Department of Medical Oncology and Ovarian Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Xiang-Xi Xu
- Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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Boostanfar R, Jain JK, Slater CC, Tourgeman DE, Francis MM, Paulson RJ. The prognostic significance of day 3 embryo cleavage stage on subsequent blastocyst development in a sequential culture system. J Assist Reprod Genet 2001; 18:548-50. [PMID: 11702768 PMCID: PMC3455315 DOI: 10.1023/a:1011953907332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine prognostic significance of blastomere number on Day 3 of culture upon subsequent blastocyst (BL) development. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted in 37 IVF subjects undergoing standard protocols and BL transfer after sequential embryo culture in P1 and BL media. RESULTS Of Day 3 embryos containing 7 or more blastomeres, 68.9% (186/270) developed into BL compared to embryos containing 4-6 blastomeres, 38.1% (56/147), P < 0.0001. The majority of BL, 68.9% (168/244), were observed on Day 5. Extended Day 6 culture represented 31.1% (76/244) of all BLs. CONCLUSIONS The observation of 7 or more blastomeres on Day 3 yielded a significantly greater likelihood of BL development. Embryos containing 4-6 blastomeres are still relatively likely to progress to a BL. Extended culture to Day 6 still yields a significant proportion of BL. Cell cleavage stage on Day 3 appears to be a useful prognostic indicator of subsequent BL development.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Boostanfar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's and Children's Hospital, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE Oocyte donation is a well-established method of assisted reproduction for women with irreversible infertility and with previous implantation failures after in vitro fertilization. Although the pregnancy rates are very high, sometimes implantation does not occur even after various attempts. We report the first two cases of transfer of zona-free blastocysts in oocyte donation cycles that developed to normal pregnancies and births. METHODS The patients had undergone three previous standard oocyte donation cycles with failure of implantation. Endometrium preparation was performed after suppression of the pituitary function, with E2 valerate and Progesterone at the day of oocyte retrieval. Normally fertilized embryos were cultured in Earle's culture medium until Day 3 and in S2 medium until Day 5. For each patient, the zonae of two fully expanded blastocysts were enzymatically removed with 0.5% pronase. Zona-free blastocysts were transferred for the patients 2 h later. RESULTS On Day 12 after transfer, pregnancies were confirmed with elevated serum levels of beta hCG. A gestational sac with a foetal heart beat was seen by ultrasound 15 days later, in each patient. Normal healthy babies were born at 38 and 39 weeks of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of successful pregnancies and births after oocyte donation and transfer of zona-free blastocysts in human. It not only shows the feasibility of the treatment but also opens a new alternative for the patients with repetitive implantation failure after OD cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Sampaío
- ORIGEN, Centro de Medicina Reprodutiva, R. Otoni 881/15, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, CEP 30150270, Brazil.
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Andersen CY, Ziebe S, Guoliang X, Byskov AG. Requirements for human chorionic gonadotropin and recombinant human luteinizing hormone for follicular development and maturation. J Assist Reprod Genet 1999; 16:425-30. [PMID: 10478322 PMCID: PMC3455491 DOI: 10.1023/a:1020569508927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our purpose was to evaluate the requirements for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and recombinant luteinizing hormone (rec-LH) for follicular development and maturation in mice. METHODS We carried out ovarian stimulation of immature mice. Output parameters were the preembryos created in vivo and frequency of blastocyst formation in vitro. RESULTS hCG at 0 to 1 IU resulted in a dose-dependent recovery of preembryos (0 to 39.7 +/- 4.3; mean +/- SE) per mouse. hCG at 1 and 10 hCG gave similar results, whereas higher doses significantly reduced the number of preembryos. Potential for blastocyst formation was independent of hCG dose. hCG and rec-LH together exerted a synergistic effect on the recovery of preembryos. CONCLUSIONS Optimal follicular development required a combination of 20 IU follicle stimulating hormone and 1-10 IU hCG. The potency of hCG was higher than that of rec-LH, but a synergistic effect of rec-LH and hCG was observed. The results may be pertinent for the development of strategies for ovarian stimulation of women with low levels of endogenous LH.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Y Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Juliane Marie Center for Children, Women and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Cabrera M, Chan PJ, Kalugdan TH, King A. Transfection of the inner cell mass and lack of a unique DNA sequence affecting the uptake of exogenous DNA by sperm as shown by dideoxy sequencing analogues. J Assist Reprod Genet 1997; 14:120-4. [PMID: 9048243 PMCID: PMC3454828 DOI: 10.1007/bf02765781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine whether exogenous DNA internalized into blastocysts after transference from DNA-carrier sperm are localized at the inner cell mass or trophoblast cells and to identify differences in uptake of exogenous DNA fragments by sperm due to unique DNA sequences. METHODS Mouse blastocysts at the hatching stage were exposed to migrating human sperm cells carrying exogenous DNA fragments synthesized from the E6-E7 conserved gene regions of human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. After an interaction period of 2 hr, the transfected blastocysts were washed several times to remove extraneous sperm and the blastocysts were dissected into groups of cells derived from the inner cell mass and trophoblasts. The cells were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of HPV DNA fragments. In the second part of the experiment, thawed donor (N = 10) sperm cells were pooled, washed, and divided into two fractions. The first (control) fraction was added with formalin and further divided and added with a 35S-radiolabeled G, A, T, or C sequencing mixture. The second fraction was similarly treated but the formalin step was omitted from the treatment. After an hour of incubation at 37 degrees C, the sperm specimens were washed several times by centrifugation and DNA extracted by the GeneReleaser method. The extracted DNA were processed on sequence gels, and the autoradiographs analyzed. RESULTS Mouse blastocysts transfected by carrier sperm with DNA from HPV types 16 and 18 showed localization of the HPV DNA to both the inner cell mass and trophoblast cells. Negative controls consisting of untreated human sperm and untreated mouse blastocysts did not reveal any evidence of HPV DNA. The positive sperm control generated expected DNA fragments from HPV types 16 and 18. In the second experiment, the intensities of the DNA fragments in the G, A, T, and C columns from low to high molecular weights were not different from the positive control bands. Band intensities of the four sequencing columns were similar. Formalin pretreatment of the sperm inhibited uptake of the DNA fragments from the smallest to the largest DNA molecules. CONCLUSIONS Exogenous DNA taken into blastocysts are localized to both the inner cell mass and trophoblast cells. Only live sperm exhibited the capacity to carry various sizes of exogenous DNA, suggesting the involvement of active cell membrane mechanism in the transference process. The results showed that DNA fragments terminating in any of the four nucleotides were equally taken up by the sperm cell. Fragments of DNA produced by the sequencing reaction failed to identify a unique DNA sequence that would facilitate or inhibit the sperm from taking up exogenous DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cabrera
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California 92350, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE This study measured serum early pregnancy factor (EPF) in pregnant red deer (Cervus elaphus) and ascertained whether EPF synthesis is associated with implantation. METHODS Serial serum samples were taken from mated hinds up to 42 days postconception and analyzed for EPF activity using the rosette inhibition test. EPF activity was then correlated with calving records and stages of preimplantation development. RESULTS EPF was detected in all pregnant animals, with a twin pregnancy giving increased EPF activity. Three animals gave an EPF response following fertilization but failed to continue beyond the preimplantation embryo stage. The increase in EPF synthesis previously associated with implantation in other mammals occurred at the blastocyst stage in red deer. CONCLUSIONS EPF synthesis in red deer (Cervus elaphus) is consistent with the preimplantation period, as occurs in other mammals. However, the second phase of the biphasic increase in early pregnancy factor production is associated with blastocyst formation, not implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- G E Lash
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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