Article
Reproductive Biology
Amirhossein Abazarikia, Mahdi Zhandi, Armin Towhidi, Malak Shakeri, Ali Reza Youse, Amir Aliyan
Summary: The study showed that introducing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) can improve oocyte developmental competence, reduce aberrant spindle organization of heat-stressed oocytes, and does not cause epigenetic alteration in the obtained blastocysts.
Article
Developmental Biology
Zvi Roth
Summary: High temperatures can affect follicles and oocytes, leading to impaired follicle development and compromised competence of oocytes to develop into embryos. Studies have shown various mechanisms of oocyte damage due to heat stress, with only subpopulations of follicles affected rather than the entire ovarian reserve.
REPRODUCTION FERTILITY AND DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pawel Kordowitzki, Gabriela Sokolowska, Marta Wasielak-Politowska, Agnieszka Skowronska, Mariusz T. Skowronski
Summary: The oocyte plays a crucial role in embryo development, with cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix communications being key for oocyte's developmental competence. Pannexins and Connexins are families of channels that are important for various physiological and pathological processes related to oocyte development and fertility.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Yiran Wei, Muhammad Idrees, Tabinda Sidrat, Myeondon Joo, Lianguang Xu, Jonghyeok Ko, Ilkeun Kong
Summary: The study demonstrates that the addition of exosomes derived from bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOEC-Exo) into in vitro maturation media significantly enhances bovine oocyte maturation and early embryo development, reducing apoptosis and improving blastocyst implantation potential.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Juan P. Cabeza, Juan Camera, Olinda Briski, Minerva Yauri Felipe, Daniel F. Salamone, Andres Gambini
Summary: This study investigates the use of a novel zinc chelator for activating bovine and porcine oocytes. The results show that the zinc chelator can successfully induce blastocyst development in both species, although developmental rates and embryo quality are compromised in bovine compared to calcium-induced embryos. On the contrary, the new concentration and incubation time of the zinc chelator improve developmental rates in porcine without affecting embryo quality. These findings contribute to understanding the role of zinc in oocyte activation and preimplantation embryo development across different mammalian species.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Dongmei Deng, Juan Xie, Yin Tian, Ling Zhu, Xuemei Liu, Junxia Liu, Guoning Huang, Jingyu Li
Summary: Acquisition of germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes for fertility preservation (FP) offers several benefits over in vivo matured oocyte cryopreservation following ovarian stimulation. Two approaches for GV oocytes are available: vitrification before in vitro maturation (IVM) at the GV stage or post-IVM at the metaphase II (MII) stage. This study found that oocyte vitrification at the MII stage after IVM is more suitable for patients who require immediate FP.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Elisa Serra, Sergio Domenico Gadau, Giovanni Giuseppe Leoni, Salvatore Naitana, Sara Succu
Summary: The study found that oocytes collected in spring from prepubertal ewes have higher developmental competence and vitality in in vitro embryo production, with lower production of reactive oxygen species. The research indicates that the season of collection can affect the developmental competence, energetic status, and tubulin assessment of oocytes, emphasizing the importance of considering the season when collecting prepubertal ovine oocytes for in vitro embryo reproduction programs.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Adi Kuperman Shani, Lilach Marom Haham, Hanna Balakier, Iryna Kuznyetsova, Siamak Bashar, Erin N. Day, Clifford L. Librach
Summary: The study compares the developmental competence of immature oocytes matured through in vitro rescue maturation (IVM) and their siblings matured in vivo. The results show that the fertilization rates of IVM-matured oocytes are comparable to their in vivo matured counterparts, but the cleavage and blastulation rates are lower. IVM embryos exhibit some developmental abnormalities but can still result in healthy live births.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Maha Mosad Elgebaly, Abo Bakr Maher Hazaa, Hussein Ahmed Amer, Ayman Mesalam
Summary: The supplementation of maturation medium with L-cysteine can enhance nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of bovine oocytes, increase cumulus cell expansion, activate the expression of maturation-related genes, and potentially benefit further research in mammalian breeding technologies.
REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yu Wang, Jia-Jia Qi, Yi-Jing Yin, Hao Jiang, Jia-Bao Zhang, Shuang Liang, Bao Yuan
Summary: This study investigates the impact of ferulic acid supplementation on bovine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development. The results show that FA can improve oocyte quality and enhance the developmental potential of subsequent embryos. FA supplementation decreases ROS levels and improves mitochondrial function in oocytes, as well as increases the expression of genes related to oocyte maturation, cumulus cell expansion, and embryo pluripotency.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Ju Hee Lee, Jae Kyun Park, Sook Young Yoon, Eun A. Park, Jin Hyun Jun, Hyunjung J. Lim, Jayeon Kim, Haengseok Song
Summary: Advanced maternal age (AMA) is associated with decreased quality and quantity of oocytes, making older oocytes more vulnerable to cryo-damage during vitrification. The cellular and molecular features of aged vitrified oocytes exhibit aberrations, leading to delayed embryo development. Collectively, current vitrification protocols optimized for young females may need to be modified for aged women.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Satoshi Fujisawa, Motoshi Komatsubara, Naoko Tsukamoto-Yamauchi, Nahoko Iwata, Takahiro Nada, Jun Wada, Fumio Otsuka
Summary: Orexin A enhances POMC transcription in corticotrope cells by upregulating CRHR signaling and downregulating BMP-Smad signaling.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dulama Richani, Kylie R. Dunning, Jeremy G. Thompson, Robert B. Gilchrist
Summary: Metabolism is crucial for oocyte quality, with glucose being essential for COC maturation and energy production. Mitochondria are the main ATP source in oocytes, while cumulus cells play a vital role in maintaining ATP levels. New insights in oocyte lipid metabolism and innovative strategies in IVM have shown positive effects on oocyte competence.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Koichiro Yamamoto, Yasuhiro Nakano, Nahoko Iwata, Yoshiaki Soejima, Atsuhito Suyama, Toru Hasegawa, Fumio Otsuka
Summary: The reproductive role of oxytocin (OXT) in ovarian steroidogenesis and its interaction with bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) were investigated using rat and human granulosa cells. OXT treatment increased progesterone production in response to FSH and FSK in both cells, while not affecting estradiol production. OXT also enhanced the phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/9 and the transcription of ID1 induced by BMP-15, but not by BMP-6, in human granulosa cells. Overall, OXT accelerates ovarian progesterone synthesis by upregulating BMP-15 activity, thus fine-tuning ovarian steroidogenesis.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Emilia Kourmaeva, Reem Sabry, Laura A. Favetta
Summary: This study investigates the effects of BPA, BPS, and BPF on bovine granulosa cell apoptosis and their potential impact on oocyte competence and overall fertility. The results suggest that BPA and BPF reduce cell viability through increased apoptosis, partially due to the induction of apoptotic genes in the intrinsic pathway. BPS may not act on the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in bovine granulosa cells.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dulama Richani, Kylie R. Dunning, Jeremy G. Thompson, Robert B. Gilchrist
Summary: Metabolism is crucial for oocyte quality, with glucose being essential for COC maturation and energy production. Mitochondria are the main ATP source in oocytes, while cumulus cells play a vital role in maintaining ATP levels. New insights in oocyte lipid metabolism and innovative strategies in IVM have shown positive effects on oocyte competence.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Stanly Kamardi, I. G. N. Harry Wijaya Surya, I. Nyoman Bayu Mahendra, I. B. Putra Adnyana, Anom Suardika, Nono Tondohusodo, Jaqueline Sudiman
Summary: PCOS patients require lower dosage of gonadotropin during treatment and have more follicles and oocytes compared with non-PCOS patients; however, the number of fertilized oocytes and embryos are the same as those from non-PCOS patients, suggesting compromised quality of retrieved oocytes in PCOS.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Irene E. Sucquart, Ruchi Nagarkar, Melissa C. Edwards, Valentina Rodriguez Paris, Ali Aflatounian, Michael J. Bertoldo, Rebecca E. Campbell, Robert B. Gilchrist, Denovan P. Begg, David J. Handelsman, Vasantha Padmanabhan, Richard A. Anderson, Kirsty A. Walters
Summary: PCOS is a prevalent endocrine condition with a range of endocrine, reproductive, and metabolic abnormalities; Androgen actions play a key role in PCOS pathogenesis; NK3R antagonism may be beneficial in treating adverse metabolic features associated with PCOS and support the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Megan Lim, Hannah M. Brown, Ryan D. Rose, Jeremy G. Thompson, Kylie R. Dunning
Summary: Hemoglobin and 2,3-BPG may have a role in the maturation of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). The study found that in vitro maturation (IVM) increases the expression of Bpgm within COCs compared to in vivo. Decreased oxygen concentration and the addition of hemoglobin affected Bpgm expression, but not to the levels observed in vivo.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Annie Whitty, Karen L. Kind, Kylie R. Dunning, Jeremy G. Thompson
Summary: This study found that under low oxygen conditions (7%), oocyte developmental competence is negatively impacted when glucose availability is limited. However, under low oxygen with high glucose concentration or adequate availability, developmental rates can be restored to levels seen in 20% oxygen groups. This highlights the importance of considering glucose concentration and physical culture conditions when comparing the effects of different oxygen concentrations during in vitro maturation.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nazli Akin, Dulama Richani, Xiuhua Liao, Yiqing Zhao, Anamaria-Cristina Herta, Katy Billooye, William A. Stocker, David G. Mottershead, Craig A. Harrison, Johan Smitz, Ellen Anckaert, Robert B. Gilchrist
Summary: This study assessed the effect of adding novel TGF-beta superfamily proteins, cumulin and super-GDF beta, to the culture media in a biphasic IVM system. The results showed that cumulin and super-GDF9 significantly improved oocyte developmental competence in standard IVM, but had no effect in CAPA-IVM.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Suliman H. Yagoub, Jeremy G. Thompson, Antony Orth, Kishan Dholakia, Brant C. Gibson, Kylie R. Dunning
Summary: This study designed and fabricated a micrometer scale device to simplify the intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure, aiming to improve embryo production and reduce variability among operators. The device demonstrated successful embryo culture and microinjection capabilities without the need for a holding pipette, enhancing traceability and efficiency in the process.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Carl A. Campugan, Megan Lim, Darren J. X. Chow, Tiffany C. Y. Tan, Tong Li, Avishkar A. Saini, Antony Orth, Philipp Reineck, Erik P. Schartner, Jeremy G. Thompson, Kishan Dholakia, Kylie R. Dunning
Summary: Our study investigates the impact of different wavelengths of light on the development of embryos. We found that exposure to the yellow wavelength led to a significant reduction in the number of embryos developing to the blastocyst stage. Increased DNA damage was observed in embryos exposed to the blue, green, or red wavelengths. Only the red wavelength showed a significant decrease in total cell number. Additionally, pregnancy rates were significantly reduced and weight at weaning was significantly higher when embryos were exposed to the red and yellow wavelengths respectively. Our results highlight the wavelength-specific and energy-dependent effects of light on embryo development.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Suliman H. Yagoub, Megan Lim, Tiffany C. Y. Tan, Darren J. X. Chow, Kishan Dholakia, Brant C. Gibson, Jeremy G. Thompson, Kylie R. Dunning
Summary: A novel photopolymerized device is presented for housing and preserving oocytes and embryos during vitrification, simplifying the procedure and improving traceability.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2022)
Correction
Genetics & Heredity
Suliman H. Yagoub, Megan Lim, Tiffany C. Y. Tan, Darren J. X. Chow, Kishan Dholakia, Brant C. Gibson, Jeremy G. Thompson, Kylie R. Dunning
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hanna J. McLennan, Adam J. Blanch, Samuel J. Wallace, Lesley J. Ritter, Shauna L. Heinrich, David K. Gardner, Kylie R. Dunning, Marty J. Gauvin, Allison K. Love, Jeremy G. Thompson
Summary: This study introduces a microfluidic chip that is designed and completely 3D-printed using two-photon polymerization (2PP). It consists of ten channels and ten retrievable cell sample seats, which can enhance cell-surface interactions at the nanoscale and support cell culture. This technology provides the precision needed for nanoliter fluidic devices constructed from multiple interlocking parts.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Robert B. Gilchrist, Johan Smitz
Summary: Oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) is a minimally invasive technique involving the collection and culture of immature oocytes to maturity outside the body. It is now classified as nonexperimental and is primarily indicated for patients with a high antral follicle count and for fertility preservation in cancer patients. Significant advances in IVM culture methods have been made based on animal studies and a simplified patient treatment protocol, leading to its routine practice in specialized centers worldwide.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Zeinab Bahrami, Narges Hatamian, Mahmood Talkhabi, Elnaz Zand, David G. Mottershead, Rouhollah Fathi
Summary: The quality of in vitro vitrified-warmed maturated oocytes can be improved by using granulosa cell conditioned medium, resulting in higher rates of successful in vitro maturation, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, improved in vitro fertilization rates, and altered gene expression.