Serum and Follicular Fluid Ghrelin Levels Negatively Reflect Human Oocyte Quality and In Vitro Embryo Development

Information on how supplementation of high-yield dairy cows with rumen-protected fat affects fertility in cattle herds is scarce. Here, Holstein-Friesian heifers (n = 84) received a supplement consisting of either rumen-protected conjugated linoleic acid (CLA; cis-9,trans-11-CLA and trans-10,cis-12-CLA) or stearic acid 18 : 0 (SA) on top of an isocaloric grass silage diet. Two supplementation doses were used (100 and 200 g d–1). Blood and follicular fluid were collected at the start and end of the supplementation period for analysis of cholesterol, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and for fatty acid profiling. Although cholesterol, IGF, and NEFA levels did not differ among experimental groups, lipid profiles in blood and follicular fluid were affected in a dose-dependent manner by both supplements. After 45 days of supplementation, oocytes were collected by ovum pick-up (OPU). The mRNA relative abundance of target genes (IGF1r, GJA1, FASN, SREBP1, and SCAP) was analysed in single in vitro- (24 h IVM) and in vivo-matured (collected by OPU 20 h after GnRH injection) oocytes and in vitro-produced blastocysts (Day 8) by qPCR (n = 6/group). Lipid profiling of individual oocytes from the CLA-supplemented (n = 37) and the SA-supplemented (n = 50) was performed by desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS). Oocytes from the CLA-supplemented (n = 413) and the SA-supplemented (n = 350) groups were used for assessing maturation and blastocysts development rates. In immature oocytes, CLA supplementation led to an increase of triacylglycerol 52 : 3 [TAG (52 : 3)] and TAG (52 : 2), squalene, palmitic acid 16 : 0, and oleic acid 18 : 1, and decreased abundance of TAG (56 : 3), TAG (50 : 2) and TAG (48 : 1). In vitro-matured oocytes showed different lipid profiles, with increased abundances of TAG (52 : 3), and TAG (52 : 2) as well as phosphatidylinositol 34 : 1 [Plo (34 : 1)], whereas phosphatidylglycerol (34 : 1) [PG (34 : 1)] and palmitic acid 16 : 0 were less abundant in in vitro-matured oocytes. SCAP was significantly down-regulated in in vitro-matured oocytes from supplemented heifers compared with their in vivo-matured counterparts. Maturation (CLA = 74% v. SA = 67%) and blastocyst rates (CLA = 22.4% v. SA = 12.7%) were different among experimental groups. One-way ANOVA and the Tukey-Kramer test were applied for a multiple comparison of means (P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant). In conclusion, we demonstrate here that fatty acid monitoring along different compartments (i.e. blood system, follicular fluid, and intra-oocyte) after rumen-protected fat supplementation of dairy heifer diet reveals nutritional footprints on oocyte quality and embryo development. These results demonstrate the close relationship between nutrition and cattle herd's fertility and, at the same time, support the role of the bovine model for understanding nutritional-dependent fertility impairments.

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180 FATTY ACID COMPOSITION IN FOLLICULAR FLUID OF PREPUBERTAL GOAT OVARIES IN WINTER AND AUTUMN

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv27n1ab180 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 181

Author(s):

M. T. Paramio ◽

M. Roura ◽

S. Hammami ◽

D. Izquierdo ◽

M. G. Catalá

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Fatty Acid ◽

Embryo Development ◽

Follicular Fluid ◽

Oocyte Quality ◽

Blastocyst Stage ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Chromatography Analysis ◽

Sperm Penetration

Fatty acids (FA) in follicular fluid (FF) play an important role on oocyte quality and embryo development (Fouladi-Nashta et al. 2007 Biol. Reprod. 77, 9–17). In our laboratory, we have shown in prepubertal goat differences in the percentage of blastocysts produced in vitro according to season. Thus, we have found in winter 15.8% and in autumn a decrease up to 4.7% of blastocysts that were produced from oocytes of 1 month old suckling Murciano-Granadina goat females and IVF with fresh semen. The aim of this study was to analyse composition of FF in order to find an explanation to seasonal changes in in vitro embryo production. Ovaries were recovered in winter and autumn from 1 month suckling goats (Murciano-Granadina) from a local slaughterhouse and the FF of all visible follicles was recovered using a sterile syringe. Each sample containing a pool of FF of different ovaries was frozen at –80°C until chromatography analysis. For the FA analysis, the Sukhija and Palmquist (1988 J. Agric. Food Chem. 36, 1202–1206) protocol with some adaptations was used. Briefly, 200 μL of FF sample was vortexed for 60 s with 250 μL of toluene and 1 mL of HCL (5%) and then warmed in a water bath for 1 h at 70°C. Subsequently 1.25 mL of K2CO3 (12%) and 500 μL of toluene was added, vortexed for 30 s and centrifuged for 5 min (3000 rpm). Finally the supernatant was recovered and dried with Na2SO4. The extracted samples were maintained in –20°C until gas chromatographic analysis (123–2362, Agilent Technologies Inc., Santa Clara, CA). The results in Table 1 express the mean of 3 replicates of follicular fluid pool as micromolar concentration of FA in FF. The FA profile in FF showed significant higher concentrations of α-linolenic (C18:3n3), eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA), and omega-3 (n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid; PUFA) in winter compared to autumn. This could be indicating that these PUFA have a positive effect on oocyte quality because of the higher embryo development of these oocytes during winter. Studies in our laboratory have shown that sperm penetration and normal zygotes were similar in both seasons even though the blastocyst yield was statistically higher in winter. We can speculate that fatty acids in the follicular environment are affecting the oocyte quality, increasing the possibility of reaching the blastocyst stage in prepubertal goat according to season. Further studies should be done to reach a more accurate conclusion. Table 1.Concentration (µM) of fatty acids in FF of prepubertal goat during winter and autumn (3 replicates)

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135 Effect of different concentrations of follicular fluid exosome-like extracellular vesicles on in vitro oocyte maturation and embryo development in cattle

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv34n2ab135 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 34 (2) ◽

pp. 305

Author(s):

G. N. Singina ◽

E. N. Shedova ◽

R. E. Uzbekov ◽

S. Uzbekova

Keyword(s):

Embryo Development ◽

Extracellular Vesicles ◽

Oocyte Maturation ◽

Follicular Fluid ◽

In Vitro Oocyte Maturation

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Effect of Follicular Fluid Oxidative Stress on Subsequent Oocyte Quality and Embryo Development

Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics ◽

10.5336/gynobstet.2014-41089 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Özgür BİGE ◽

Bülent GÜLEKLİ ◽

Ahmet DEMİR ◽

Funda GÖDE ◽

Semra KOÇTÜRK ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Embryo Development ◽

Follicular Fluid ◽

Oocyte Quality

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Improvement of quality of oocytes collected in the autumn by enhanced removal of impaired follicles from previously heat-stressed cows

Reproduction ◽

10.1530/rep.0.1220737 ◽

2001 ◽

pp. 737-744 ◽

Cited By ~ 126

Author(s):

Z Roth ◽

A Arav ◽

A Bor ◽

Y Zeron ◽

R Braw-Tal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Embryo Development ◽

Treated Group ◽

Oocyte Quality ◽

Control Group ◽

Delayed Effect ◽

Cleavage Rate ◽

Lactating Cows ◽

Summer Heat

The fertility of dairy cows decreases during the summer and remains low during the cooler autumn although the animals are no longer under heat stress. The aim of this study was to characterize a delayed effect of summer heat stress on oocyte quality in the autumn and to improve oocyte quality by enhanced removal of follicles damaged during the previous summer. Lactating cows (n = 16) were subjected to heat stress during the summer. In autumn, ovarian follicles (3-7 mm in diameter) were aspirated by an ultrasound-guided procedure during four consecutive oestrous cycles. Follicles were aspirated from control cows on day 4 and from treated cows on days 4, 7, 11 and 15 of each oestrous cycle. All cows received PGF(2alpha) and GnRH injections on days 19 and 21, respectively, and maintained cyclicity, as indicated by plasma progesterone concentrations. On day 4 of each cycle, the oocytes recovered were examined morphologically, matured and activated in vitro, and cultured for 8 days. In cycle 1 (early October) both groups showed low percentages of grade 1 oocytes, cleavage, four- and eight-cell embryos, morulae and parthenogenetic blastocysts. Subsequently, the number of grade 1 oocytes increased earlier (cycle 2) in treated than in control cows (cycle 3; P < 0.05). The cleavage rate in the control group remained relatively low throughout (32-58%), whereas in the treated group it increased from 40% (cycle 1) to 75% (cycles 3 and 4; P < 0.05). The number at each stage of embryo development increased slightly but remained low throughout in the control group, whereas in the treated group significant (P < 0.05) increases of all stages were observed in cycles 3 and 4. The results show a delayed effect of summer heat stress on oocyte quality and embryo development in the autumn. Enhanced removal of the impaired cohort of follicles led to earlier emergence of healthy follicles and high quality oocytes in the autumn.

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143 TREATMENT WITH VITAMINS A AND E IMPROVE OOCYTE QUALITY AND IN VITRO EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT IN BOS INDICUS COWS

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv23n1ab143 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

pp. 175 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

J. J. F. Evangelista ◽

C. E. A. Souza ◽

M. E. A. Moraes ◽

A. A. A. Moura

Keyword(s):

Embryo Development ◽

Bos Indicus ◽

Oocyte Quality ◽

Positive Influence ◽

Early Embryo ◽

Oocyte Yield ◽

The Impact ◽

Positive Effect ◽

Paired T Test

We assessed the impact of a single intra-muscular injection of vitamins A and E on oocyte quality and yield and early embryo development in Bos indicus cows. Twenty Bos indicus cows, of Gyr, Brahman, and Nellore breeds, weighing between 450 and 600 kg were subjected to ovum pick-up (OPU). Oocytes were collected in Dulbecco’s PBS (DBPS) containing heparin and antibiotics, counted, and morphologically classified. Viable oocytes were taken to the laboratory, in vitro matured for 24 h and in vitro fertilized using 25 million sperm mL–1. After 168 h of incubation (39°C, 5% CO2), viable embryos were counted and classified. Then, after 10 days, the cows received an intra-muscular injection of 1 000 000 UI of vitamin A and 1 g of vitamin E, and, after 12 days, were again subjected to the same procedure described above. Differences in oocyte yield and embryo development were analysed using paired t-test. The 40 OPUs from 20 cows yielded a total of 520 oocytes. Nellore and Brahman cows produced more embryos/cow (P < 0.01) compared with Gyr. After vitamin treatment, the cows produced more oocytes (n = 303; P < 0.01) compared with the previous OPU (n = 217), resulting in 95 more viable oocytes (31%). Brahman, Gyr, and Nellore cows yielded 11.2 ± 1.8, 8.5 ± 1.5, and 12.0 ± 2.6 oocytes before vitamin treatment, respectively. From those oocytes, 224 embryos were obtained, 89 before vitamin injection and 135 after treatment (P < 0.02), with 36 more embryos (40%) produced. Irrespective of breed, cows responded equally to vitamin injection. A single parenteral injection of vitamins A and E had a significant positive effect on oocyte yield after OPU and in vitro embryo development on Bos indicus cows. We suggest that this effect is probably due to the positive influence of retinoids on oocyte and embryo development.

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Influence of oviductal cells and conditioned medium on porcine gametes

Zygote ◽

10.1017/s0967199400000915 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 139-144 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Mariève Bureau ◽

Janice L. Bailey ◽

Marc-André Sirard

Keyword(s):

Epithelial Cells ◽

Conditioned Medium ◽

Embryo Development ◽

Follicular Fluid ◽

Maturation Medium

The aim of this study was to optimise porcine in vitro fertilisation (IVF) with cryopreserved semen with the exploitation of the oviduct secretion. The oocytes were cultured in NCSU37 supplemented with db-cAMP (1 mM), porcine follicular fluid (pFF; 10%), cysteine (0.1 mg/ml) and β-mercaptoethanol (25 μM) for 44 h (the first 20 h with 10 IU/ml hCG and PMSG). The oviductal epithelial cells (OEC) were cultured in TCM-199 medium (with 10% FCS, 0.2 mM pyruvate and 50 μg/ml gentamicin) for 48 h. To determine the effects of OEC and conditioned medium, oocytes were separated into five groups for the last 3 h of maturation and placed in: fresh maturation medium (controls), OEC-cNCSU with OEC in the maturation medium for 24 h; OEC-fNUSU with fresh OEC in maturation medium; cTCM with TCM-199 conditioned with OEC for 48 h; or fTCM with fresh TCM-199. Results indicate that OEC-cNCSU and OEC-fNCSU increase the number of oocytes reaching the two pronucleus (2PN) stage (p < 0.01) and decrease the polyspermy rate (p < 0.01) compared with controls. The rates are significantly lower than controls when cTCM and fTCM were used (p < 0.01). As regards blastocyst rates, an increase was observed in the OEC-cNCSU and cTCM groups (p < 0.05). For the second experiment, spermatozoa were incubated with OEC in IVF medium (mTBM medium supplemented with 0.1% BSA) without caffeine for 4 h prior to IVF. Results indicate that sperm treatment with OEC increases the 2PN rate (p < 0.01) compared with controls and reduces the polyspermy rate (p < 0.01). In conclusion, our study shows that co-incubation of OEC with both oocytes and sperm before IVF reduces polyspermy rates and improves embryo development.

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Effects of maternal ageing on ICSI outcomes and embryo development in relation to oocytes morphological characteristics of birefringent structures

Zygote ◽

10.1017/s0967199414000197 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. 550-555 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Cem Korkmaz ◽

Yesim Bayoglu Tekin ◽

Mehmet Sakinci ◽

Cihangir Mutlu Ercan

Keyword(s):

Embryo Development ◽

Morphological Characteristics ◽

Oocyte Quality ◽

Fertilization Success ◽

Meiotic Spindle ◽

Poor Responders ◽

Polarization Microscopy ◽

Quantitative Measurements ◽

Icsi Outcomes

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine the morphological characteristics of the older reproductive aged women's oocytes and to reveal the influence of these characteristics on intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes. The oocytes of women older than 35 years of age were evaluated retrospectively. Non-invasive polarization microscopy (PolScope) examinations of mature oocytes were performed by measurement of meiotic spindles’ length, area and retardance and zona pellucida thickness and retardance. Fertilization and conception competence and the correlation with the birefringent structures were assessed. Two hundred and thirteen mature oocytes from 54 women were evaluated with a PolScope. Length of the meiotic spindle was shown to be related to fertilization success of women with advanced maternal age. In conclusion, the PolScope is a useful device used to identify the oocyte quality. Quantitative measurements of meiotic spindle parameters may be valuable for the selection of high-quality oocytes that have the potential for embryo development in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory of women older than 35 years of age who are mostly poor responders.

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