Article
Veterinary Sciences
Enrique Gomez, Antonio Murillo, Susana Carrocera, Juan Jose Perez-Janez, Jose Luis Benedito, David Martin-Gonzalez, Isabel Gimeno
Summary: In this study, the effects of embryo cryopreservation techniques on the offspring of cattle were analyzed. The results showed that vitrified/warmed (V/W) and frozen/thawed (F/T) embryos have different physiological and survival characteristics compared to fresh embryos. The study also found that cryopreserved embryos resulted in calves with certain abnormal physiological indicators at birth, but the effects of colostrum intake were similar among all calves. Embryo cryopreservation and/or culture had different metabolic effects on the calves, including effects on protein and acid-base metabolism.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Andrea Carolina Gonzalez-Garzon, Julio Porfirio Ramon-Ugalde, Demetrio Alonso Ambriz-Garcia, Jose Roberto Vazquez-Avendano, Jose Ernesto Hernandez-Pichardo, Jose Luis Rodriguez-Suastegui, Cesar Cortez-Romero, Maria del Carmen Navarro-Maldonado
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of adding resveratrol during in vitro maturation of sheep oocytes on the levels of ROS and GSH in embryos produced by IVF and subjected to vitrification. The results showed that resveratrol increased GSH and decreased ROS production in a dose-dependent manner.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Karolina Fryc, Agnieszka Nowak, Barbara Kij-Mitka, Joanna Kochan, Pawel M. Bartlewski, Maciej Murawski
Summary: This study used time-lapse imaging to investigate the effects of vitrification on the development of ovine blastocysts. The timing of blastocyst formation and expansion was found to be correlated with the numbers of embryo- and trophoblasts, indicating the importance of trophoblastic cells in blastocyst development.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Vera A. van der Weijden, Meret Schmidhauser, Mayuko Kurome, Johannes Knubben, Veronika L. Floter, Eckhard Wolf, Susanne E. Ulbrich
Summary: Our study found that in vivo developed and in vitro produced embryos show similar transcriptome profiles during development. Shared canonical pathways in transitions from 4-cell to morula included oxidative phosphorylation and EIF2 signaling, while shared pathways from morula to hatched blastocyst included 14-3-3-mediated signaling, xenobiotic metabolism general signaling pathway, and NRF2-mediated oxidative stress response. Hatched blastocysts from in vitro fertilization-pipeline exhibited molecular pathways associated with lower developmental competence compared to in vivo developed embryos.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Karolina Fryc, Agnieszka Nowak, Barbara Kij-Mitka, Joanna Kochan, Pawel M. Bartlewski, Maciej Murawski
Summary: This study compares the morphokinetic changes and extent of apoptosis between vitrified and non-vitrified in vitro-derived ovine blastocysts. The results showed that non-vitrified blastocysts developed into expanded blastocysts earlier than vitrified blastocysts. Vitrified blastocysts had more apoptotic cells and a lower blastomere count.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
D. E. Goszczynski, P. S. Tinetti, Y. H. Choi, K. Hinrichs, P. J. Ross
Summary: Genome activation in in vitro-produced horse embryos begins at the 2-cell stage, with minor upregulation of genes at the 4-cell stage and major upregulation and downregulation at the 8-cell stage.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Kathryn Montgomery, Susan Montgomery, Alison Campbell, Deborah Mary Nash
Summary: A retrospective multicentre analysis of data from eight CARE Fertility clinics in the UK between 2012 and 2019 revealed that there are differences in morphokinetic profiles and treatment outcomes between embryos developed from vitrified or fresh oocytes. The study found that vitrified embryos exhibited a significant delay in early cleavage divisions and time to start of compaction compared to fresh embryos. However, there were no significant differences in reaching the blastocyst stage or treatment outcomes between the two groups.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Muhammad Umair, Veronica Flores da Cunha Scheeren, Mabel M. Beitsma, Silvia Colleoni, Cesare Galli, Giovanna Lazzari, Marta de Ruijter-Villani, Tom A. E. Stout, Anthony Claes
Summary: In vitro production (IVP) of equine embryos has a higher incidence of early embryonic loss and monozygotic twin development compared to in vivo derived (IVD) embryos. This study examined the influence of embryo type, developmental stage, and culture environment on the expression of cell lineage markers in equine embryos. The results showed that IVP embryos had a poorly compacted inner cell mass with intermingled epiblast and primitive endoderm cells, which was more pronounced in slower-developing embryos. However, transferring IVP embryos into recipient mares improved the compactness of the inner cell mass.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Simonetta Fois, Piero Pasqualino Piu, Manuela Sanna, Tonina Roggio, Pasquale Catzeddu
Summary: The study demonstrated the health benefits of using wholemeal flour and sourdough fermentation in pasta making, with wholemeal semolina exhibiting higher starch digestibility compared to semolina. Addition of sourdough in the formulation effectively reduced rapidly digestible starch content and glycemic load of the pasta.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina A. Martinez, Cristina Cuello, Inmaculada Parrilla, Carolina Maside, Guillermo Ramis, Josep M. Cambra, Juan M. Vazquez, Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez, Maria A. Gil, Emilio A. Martinez
Summary: Exogenous melatonin added to the embryo culture medium enhances the development and quality of in vitro-derived embryos but not in in vivo-derived embryos.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Sarah Janati Idrissi, Victoria Slezec-Frick, Daniel Le Bourhis, Laurene Le Berre, Thierry Joly, Samuel Buff, Alice Desmarchais, Laurent Schibler, Pascal Salvetti, Sebastien Elis
Summary: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, improves fertility by increasing membrane fluidity. Adding DHA during in vitro embryo development decreases the percentage of pluripotent cells without affecting cell number, blastocyst rate, or cryosurvival rate.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Erika Alina Ordonez-Leon, Iris Martinez-Rodero, Tania Garcia-Martinez, Manel Lopez-Bejar, Marc Yeste, Elena Mercade, Teresa Mogas
Summary: This study aimed to assess the cryoprotectant role of exopolysaccharide (EPS) ID1, produced by Antarctic Pseudomonas sp., in the vitrification of in vitro-produced (IVP) bovine embryos. The results suggest that adding 100 μg/mL EPS ID1 to the vitrification media can improve the re-expansion and hatching ability of embryos and modulate apoptosis positively.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Marcella Pecora Milazzotto, Jessica Ispada, Camila Bruna de Lima
Summary: Metabolism and epigenetics have reciprocal regulation in different cell types, playing fundamental roles in cellular adaptation. Studies have shown that the metabolic status can modify the epigenome, while epigenetic mechanisms regulate the expression of genes involved in metabolism, thereby altering the metabolome. Understanding these regulatory networks is important not only for early embryonic development but also for determining in vitro culture conditions that support embryo development and leave lasting positive regulatory marks.
REPRODUCTION FERTILITY AND DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Widjiati Widjiati, Zakiyatul Faizah, Viski Fitri Hendrawan, Helly Nurul Karima, Choirunil Chotimah, Sutiman Bambang Soemitro, A. A. Muhammad Nur Kasman, Epy Muhammad Luqman
Summary: This study compared the intracellular calcium profile and viability of embryos produced by ICSI method, showing that the intensity of Ca2+ in frozen embryos is higher than in fresh embryos, with different patterns of intensity changes between the two.
KAFKAS UNIVERSITESI VETERINER FAKULTESI DERGISI
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Katy S. Stoecklein, M. Sofia Ortega, Lee D. Spate, Clifton N. Murphy, Randall S. Prather
Summary: This study investigated the potential of adding a combination of three cytokines (FGF2, LIF, and IGF1) named FLI to improve the development and quality of in vitro produced bovine embryos. Results showed that the addition of FLI increased the success rate of oocyte maturation and blastocyst development, as well as improved the quality of embryos by reducing lipid content and enhancing cytoskeleton integrity. This supplementation also decreased cell apoptosis post-thaw, indicating its potential to alleviate challenges associated with cryo-survival of in vitro produced bovine embryos.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Goncalves, Ana Fortuna, Yavuz Ariyurek, Marcia E. Oliveira, Goreti Nadais, Jorge Pinheiro, Johan T. den Dunnen, Mario Sousa, Jorge Oliveira, Rosario Santos
Summary: In this study, a patient with Becker Muscular Dystrophy was identified to have a DMD gene defect that could not be detected by routine molecular techniques. The application of low-coverage linked-read whole-genome sequencing revealed a possible genomic rearrangement and confirmed the presence of a genomic inversion. This study expands the mutational spectrum of dystrophinopathies and highlights the importance of transcript analysis in diagnosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Carlos Azevedo, Graca Casal, Emerson Carlos Soares, Elsa Oliveira, Sonia Rocha, Mike Hine, Themis Jesus Silva
Summary: Parasite infection may be a factor triggering erythrocyte agglutination, further studies are needed to better understand the physicochemical processes involved in this phenomenon.
REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jorge M. B. G. A. Pimenta, Virginia M. R. Pires, Sofia Nolasco, Pedro Castelo-Branco, Carla C. Marques, Joana Apolonio, Rita Azevedo, Monica T. Fernandes, Luis Lopes-da-Costa, Jose Prates, Rosa M. L. N. Pereira
Summary: Prion proteins have been extensively studied in relation to male fertility, but their role in female fertility remains relatively unexplored. This study investigated the impact of SPRN and PRNP genes on bovine follicular steroidogenesis pathways. The findings suggest a potential interaction between SPRN and PRNP regulation, as well as the influence of SPRN expression on CYP11A1 and progesterone levels. These results provide new insights into the role of these genes in ovarian steroidogenesis and female reproductive physiology.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sara C. Pereira, Ines F. Esperanca, Soraia Pinto, Alberto Barros, Mario Sousa, Marco G. Alves, Pedro F. Oliveira
Summary: The abundance of GPR30 mRNA in spermatozoa is not correlated with paternal BMI, age, or sperm quality parameters, but higher levels of GPR30 mRNA are associated with the achievement of biochemical pregnancy and clinical pregnancy in couples undergoing assisted reproduction treatments.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Sara Mendes, Rosalia Sa, Manuel Magalhaes, Franklim Marques, Mario Sousa, Elisabete Silva
Summary: Tumor cells exhibit high resistance to oxidative stress, but excessive oxidative stress beyond a certain threshold can lead to cell death. Inducing imbalance in redox homeostasis can be a strategy in anticancer therapies, but the mechanisms behind the loss of fertility are still unknown. With the increasing life expectancy of cancer patients, it is important to consider the potential adverse effects of anticancer treatments on reproductive capacity.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Carolina Silva, Paulo Viana, Alberto Barros, Rosalia Sa, Mario Sousa, Rute Pereira
Summary: Asthenozoospermia, characterized by reduced sperm motility, is a major cause of male infertility. While mutations in genes coding for structural or functional constituents of sperm have been identified as known causes, the role of sperm RNA in regulating sperm motility is not fully understood. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of sperm RNA expression and its relationship with motility. The expression of a group of mRNAs and their corresponding miRNAs was found to be reduced in asthenozoospermic patients, particularly in those with lower progressive sperm motility. This study provides further insights into the role of RNA in regulating sperm motility and calls for further investigation of the genes and miRNAs involved.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Rute Pereira, Mario Sousa
Summary: Infertility is a common health issue affecting couples worldwide, with no effective therapy available. Male infertility, specifically asthenozoospermia or reduced sperm motility, is a major cause. Many researchers have identified over 4000 genes involved in sperm production and development, which can potentially lead to male infertility if mutated. This review provides an overview of sperm flagellum morphology and highlights genetic factors related to sperm immotility and flagellum development.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
R. Pereira, V. Carvalho, C. Dias, T. Barbosa, J. Oliveira, A. Alves, E. Oliveira, R. Sa, M. Sousa
Summary: This study presents a case of a female patient with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and infertility. The patient's twin sister also has PCD and infertility. Through various assessments, such as cilia motility evaluation, axoneme ultrastructure observation, and genetic characterization, a homozygous nonsense variant in the DRC1 gene was identified as the cause of PCD and infertility in the patient.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2023)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Rosalia Sa, Luis Ferraz, Alberto Barros, Mario Sousa
Summary: Klinefelter syndrome is a common chromosomal sexual anomaly with symptoms including tall stature, small testicles, small penis, feminine body proportions and hair, obesity, and testicular failure. It can also lead to endocrine, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, autoimmune disorders, cancer, neurocognitive disabilities, and infertility. The retrieval of spermatozoa from the testicles for assisted reproduction treatments is discussed, and the low risk of passing on the genetic defect to children is mentioned.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Eduarda Milheiro Tinoco, Ana Rita Gigante, Edite Ferreira, Ines Sanches, Rute Pereira, Rosalia Sa, Regina Monteiro, Mario Sousa, Ivone Pascoal
Summary: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare hereditary condition that affects the clearance of the airways and fertility. This study examined the clinical and pathological features of Portuguese PCD patients, as well as their genetic variants. The results showed that genetic testing is crucial for confirming diagnosis and managing the disease.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Joao Pedro Barbas, Jorge Pimenta, Maria Conceicao Baptista, Carla Cruz Marques, Rosa Maria Lino Neto Pereira, Nuno Carolino, Joao Simoes
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of season and breed on spermatozoa traits in ten Portuguese sheep breeds. The results showed that breed had an impact on the volume and concentration of ejaculate, while season did not. Fresh semen had a high viability and motility, but these decreased and abnormal morphology increased in thawed semen. Breed and breed x season interactions influenced the traits of spermatozoa. Overall, season had no significant effect on ejaculate and spermatozoa traits, and local rams can be used as sperm donors for cryopreservation throughout the year.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Ana Rita Goncalves, Luis Telo da Gama, Luis Antunes, Helena Guimaraes, Miguel Bliebernicht, Cristina Cosinha, Bruno Duarte Rego, Pedro Ferro da Costa, Tiago Guimaraes, Elisa Bettencourt, Antonio Rocha, Jose Carlos Duare
Summary: The study aimed to establish baseline information for seminal traits in Lusitano stallions, assess the impact of inbreeding, collection interval, and age on semen quality, and estimate the genetic parameters. A total of 2129 ejaculates by 146 Lusitano stallions were analyzed. Results showed normal values for seminal traits and a decline in quality as inbreeding increased. Season and age also influenced semen quality, with the highest values observed during the breeding season and a nonlinear relationship with age. Genetic parameters suggested the possibility of improving semen quality through selection and the importance of considering inbreeding when selecting Lusitano stallions.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Silviana Ribeiro, Mario Sousa
Summary: The development of assisted reproductive technology has made it possible for infertile couples, especially infertile men, to conceive through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). However, the success of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and ICSI can be influenced by various factors. This review analyzed the impact of female age, ovarian reserve, male age, and male factor on the outcomes of IVF/ICSI, aiming to determine their practical applicability. The findings suggest that higher female age and alterations in ovarian markers are associated with poorer outcomes, while the predictive value of male age and male factor remains inconclusive and requires further investigation.
JORNAL BRASILEIRO DE REPRODUCAO ASSISTIDA
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ana Rita Azevedo, Ana Sofia Pais, Teresa Almeida-Santos, Virginia M. R. Pires, Pedro Pessa, Carla C. Marques, Sofia Nolasco, Pedro Castelo-Branco, Jose A. M. Prates, Luis Lopes-da-Costa, Mafalda Laranjo, Maria Filomena Botelho, Rosa M. L. N. Pereira, Jorge M. B. G. A. Pimenta
Summary: This study evaluated and compared the application of honey and other strategies to improve ovarian grafts' viability. The results showed that honey stimulated angiogenesis and cell proliferation, while inducing cellular apoptosis within a healthy cellular turnover pathway. Therefore, honey could be considered as an effective and cost-efficient strategy to improve ovarian tissue transplantation.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Pedro Barros, Mariana Cunha, Alberto Barros, Mario Sousa, Sofia Doria
Summary: This study investigated the clinical outcomes of non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome patients with azoospermia treated with testicular spermatozoa extraction (TESE) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The results showed higher fertilization, implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates with fresh testicular spermatozoa compared to cryopreserved spermatozoa. Chromosome analysis of newborns indicated normal results.
JORNAL BRASILEIRO DE REPRODUCAO ASSISTIDA
(2022)
