The effect of oxygen concentration on embryo development and assisted reproductive technologies efficiency

2018 ◽  
Vol XIII (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
E.A. Zhiryaeva ◽  
A.P. Kiassov ◽  
A.A. Rizvanov
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Concentration ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Effect Of Oxygen

scholarly journals Microphysiologic systems in female reproductive biology

2017 ◽  
Vol 242 (17) ◽  
pp. 1690-1700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandria N Young ◽  
Georgette Moyle-Heyrman ◽  
J Julie Kim ◽  
Joanna E Burdette
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
The Body ◽  
Technological Advancement ◽  
Organ Systems

Microphysiologic systems (MPS), including new organ-on-a-chip technologies, recapitulate tissue microenvironments by employing specially designed tissue or cell culturing techniques and microfluidic flow. Such systems are designed to incorporate physiologic factors that conventional 2D or even 3D systems cannot, such as the multicellular dynamics of a tissue–tissue interface or physical forces like fluid sheer stress. The female reproductive system is a series of interconnected organs that are necessary to produce eggs, support embryo development and female health, and impact the functioning of non-reproductive tissues throughout the body. Despite its importance, the human reproductive tract has received less attention than other organ systems, such as the liver and kidney, in terms of modeling with MPS. In this review, we discuss current gaps in the field and areas for technological advancement through the application of MPS. We explore current MPS research in female reproductive biology, including fertilization, pregnancy, and female reproductive tract diseases, with a focus on their clinical applications. Impact statement This review discusses existing microphysiologic systems technology that may be applied to study of the female reproductive tract, and those currently in development to specifically investigate gametes, fertilization, embryo development, pregnancy, and diseases of the female reproductive tract. We focus on the clinical applicability of these new technologies in fields such as assisted reproductive technologies, drug testing, disease diagnostics, and personalized medicine.

Ex vivo early embryo development and effects on gene expression and imprinting

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 361 ◽  
Author(s):  
David K. Gardner ◽  
Michelle Lane
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Laboratory Animals ◽  
Cell Physiology ◽  
Mammalian Embryo

The environment to which the mammalian embryo is exposed during the preimplantation period of development has a profound effect on the physiology and viability of the conceptus. It has been demonstrated that conditions that alter gene expression, and in some instances the imprinting status of specific genes, have all previously been shown to adversely affect cell physiology. Thus, questions are raised regarding the aetiology of abnormal gene expression and altered imprinting patterns, and whether problems can be averted by using more physiological culture conditions. It is also of note that the sensitivity of the embryo to its surroundings decreases as development proceeds. Post compaction, environmental conditions have a lesser effect on gene function. This, therefore, has implications regarding the conditions used for IVF and the culture of the cleavage stage embryo. The developmental competence of the oocyte also impacts gene expression in the embryo, and therefore superovulation has been implicated in abnormal methylation and imprinting in the resultant embryo. Furthermore, the genetics and dietary status of the mother have a profound impact on embryo development and gene expression. The significance of specific animal models for human assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is questioned, given that most cattle data have been obtained from in vitro-matured oocytes and that genes imprinted in domestic and laboratory animals are not necessarily imprinted in the human. Patients treated with ART have fertility problems, which in turn may predispose their gametes or embryos to greater sensitivities to the process of ART. Whether this is from the drugs involved in the ovulation induction or from the IVF, intracytoplasmic sperm injection or culture procedures themselves remains to be determined. Alternatively, it may be that epigenetic alterations are associated with infertility and symptoms are subsequently revealed through ART. Whatever the aetiology, continued long-term monitoring of the children conceived through ART is warranted.

scholarly journals Roles of steroid hormones in oviductal function

Reproduction ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 159 (3) ◽  
pp. R125-R137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke E Barton ◽  
Gerardo G Herrera ◽  
Prashanth Anamthathmakula ◽  
Jenna K Rock ◽  
Anna M Willie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Steroid Hormones ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Muscle Cell ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Laboratory Rodents ◽  
Embryo Transport ◽  
And Function

The oviduct (known as the fallopian tube in humans) is the site for fertilization and pre-implantation embryo development. Female steroid hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are known to modulate the morphology and function of cells in the oviduct. In this review, we focus on the actions of estrogen and progesterone on secretory, ciliated, and muscle cell functions and morphologies during fertilization, pre-implantation embryo development, and embryo transport in humans, laboratory rodents and farm animals. We review some aspects of oviductal anatomy and histology and discuss current assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) that bypass the oviduct and their effects on embryo quality. Lastly, we review the causes of alterations in secretory, ciliated, and muscle cell functions that could result in embryo transport defects.

scholarly journals Does supplementation with mitochondria improve oocyte competence? A systematic review

Reproduction ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Filipa Ferreira ◽  
Maria Soares ◽  
Sandra Almeida Reis ◽  
João Ramalho-Santos ◽  
Ana Paula Sousa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Fertilization Rate ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Oocyte Competence ◽  
Mitochondrial Supplementation

Mitochondrial supplementation was proposed as a complementary treatment to assisted reproductive technologies to improve oocyte competence and support post-fertilization development. This strategy is based on the fact that poor-quality/aged oocytes contain lower and dysfunctional mitochondria. However, the efficacy and safety of mitochondrial supplementation is still controversial. Therefore, this review summarizes the clinical/biological outcomes of mitochondrial supplementation, aiming to improve oocyte competence or explore the safety of this technique, and was based on an online search using PubMed and Web of Science, until September 2019. The studies included reported outcomes related to efficacy and safety of mitochondrial supplementation either in human or animal models (bovine, porcine and mouse). Extracted data were organized according to study objective, the mitochondrial source and the main outcomes: fertilization/pregnancy rates, embryo development and adverse outcomes. Clinical pregnancy was not improved in the only randomized controlled trial published, although an increase was demonstrated in other non-randomized studies. Fertilization rate and embryo development were not different from control groups in the majority of studies, although performed in different contexts and using diverse sources of mitochondria. The safety of mitochondria transfer is still a concern, however, the euploid rate and the absence of reported congenital malformation from the clinical studies are reassuring. In summary, mitochondrial supplementation does not seem to cause harm although the benefit of improving oocyte competence is still unclear due to the diversity of methodological approaches and low-quality of the data available. Analyzed data supports the need to investigate further, in both pre-clinical and clinical contexts.

Dose-dependent effects of gonadotropin on oocyte developmental competence and apoptosis

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (8) ◽  
pp. 990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shan Liu ◽  
Huai L. Feng ◽  
Dennis Marchesi ◽  
Zi-Jiang Chen ◽  
Avner Hershlag
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Cumulus Cells ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Vitro Development

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of gonadotropins (Gn) on oocyte maturation, developmental competence and apoptosis in an animal model. Bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured for 24 h in media supplemented with varying concentrations of Bravelle (B), B + Menopur (B + M) or B + Repronex (B + R) (Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Parsiappany, NJ, USA). Then, nuclear maturation, embryo development, and apoptosis in cumulus cells and oocytes were evaluated. Low to moderate Gn concentrations (75–7500 mIU mL–1) effectively improved nuclear maturation and in vitro development. Higher concentrations of Gn (75 000 mIU mL–1) did not have any added beneficial effects and nuclear maturation and blastocyst rates in the presence of these concentrations were comparable to control (P > 0.05). Most COCs showed slight apoptosis when exposed to 75, 750 and 7500 mIU mL–1 Gn; however, when the concentration was increased to 75 000 mIU mL–1, the proportion of moderately apoptotic COCs increased. In conclusion, extremely high concentrations of Gn have detrimental effects on oocyte nuclear maturation and embryo development and increase apoptosis in cumulus cells, suggesting the importance of judicious use of Gn in assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

127 L-Carnitine Supplementation During In Vitro Maturation Improves Developmental Competence of Canine Oocytes

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 203 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Salama ◽  
M. Fathi ◽  
M. R. Badr ◽  
A. R. Moawad
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
In Vitro Maturation ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Carnitine Supplementation ◽  
Cell Stage ◽  
Nuclear Maturation

In vitro embryo production (IVP) in the domestic bitch is important for conservation of endangered canids. Compared with various domestic animals, the development of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in the dog has lagged behind, mainly due to the low percentage of oocytes that can reach metaphase II (MII) stage after in vitro maturation (IVM). Beneficial effects of l-carnitine (LC) on embryonic development in culture have been reported in many mammalian species; however, no studies have been conducted in dogs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of LC supplementation during IVM of canine oocytes on nuclear maturation, fertilization status, and pre-implantation development following IVM/IVF. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were collected by slicing ovaries obtained from dogs (n = 20, 1 to 6 years of age) after ovariohysterectomy. The COC were subjected to IVM for 72 h in a medium (TCM-199) supplemented with LC at different concentrations (0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 1.0, or 2.0 mg mL−1) or without LC supplements (0 mg mL−1; control). Matured oocytes were fertilized in vitro with frozen–thawed spermatozoa, and presumptive zygotes were cultured in SOF medium for 7 days. Frequencies of nuclear maturation (72 h post-IVM), fertilization rates (18 h post-insemination), and embryo development (Days 2 to 5 post-insemination) were evaluated. Data were analysed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparisons test. Supplementation of IVM medium with 0.3 or 0.6 mg mL−1 LC significantly improved (P ≤ 0.05) maturation (35.4% and 41.4%) and fertilization (21.3% and 25.8%) rates compared with the controls and with other LC-supplemented groups; values ranged from 20.1% to 25.0% for maturation and from 12.1% to 14.6% for fertilization. Cleavage (2- to 16-cell stages) was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in the 0.6 mg mL−1 LC supplemented group than the 0.3 mg mL−1 supplemented group (16.3% v. 13.3%). These values were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than those in other groups. Interestingly, 4.5% of IVM/IVF oocytes were developed to morula in 0.6 mg mL−1 LC supplemented group which was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than those developed in the 0.3 mg mL−1 supplemented group (1.0%). No embryos developed beyond the 2- to 16-cell stage in the rest of the groups. In conclusion, l-carnitine supplementation during IVM is particularly efficient in improving nuclear maturation and pre-implantation embryo development of canine oocytes after IVF. These outcomes are important for the improvement of IVM conditions that can advance the efficiency of ART in dogs.

DNA Methylation in Embryo Development: Epigenetic Impact of ART (Assisted Reproductive Technologies)

BioEssays ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (11) ◽  
pp. 1700106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Canovas ◽  
Pablo J. Ross ◽  
Gavin Kelsey ◽  
Pilar Coy
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies

Impacts of and interactions between environmental stress and epigenetic programming during early embryo development

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 1125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Bertoldo ◽  
Yann Locatelli ◽  
Christopher O'Neill ◽  
Pascal Mermillod
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Signalling Pathways ◽  
Epigenetic Programming ◽  
Altered Gene ◽  
Vitro Development

The processes of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) involve a variety of interventions that impact on the oocyte and embryo. Critically, these interventions cause considerable stress and coincide with important imprinting events throughout gametogenesis, fertilisation and early embryonic development. It is now accepted that the IVM and in vitro development of gametes and embryos can perturb the natural course of development to varying degrees of severity. Altered gene expression and, more recently, imprinting disorders relating to ART have become a focused area of research. Although various hypotheses have been put forward, most research has been observational, with little attempt to discover the mechanisms and periods of sensitivity during embryo development that are influenced by the culture conditions following fertilisation. The embryo possesses innate survival factor signalling pathways, yet when an embryo is placed in culture, this signalling in response to in vitro stress becomes critically important in mitigating the effects of stresses caused by the in vitro environment. It is apparent that not all embryos possess this ability to adequately adapt to the stresses experienced in vitro, most probably due to an inadequate oocyte. It is speculated that it is important that embryos use their survival signalling mechanisms to maintain normal epigenetic programming. The seeming redundancy in the function of various survival signalling pathways would support this notion. Any invasion into the natural, highly orchestrated and dynamic process of sexual reproduction could perturb the normal progression of epigenetic programming. Therefore the source of gametes and the subsequent culture conditions of gametes and embryos are critically important and require careful attention. It is the aim of this review to highlight avenues of research to elucidate the effects of stress and the relationship with epigenetic programming. The short- and long-term health and viability of human and animal embryos derived in vitro will also be discussed.

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