Search for other papers by Iris Martínez-Rodero in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Judith Diaz-Muñoz in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Adam Z Higgins in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Manel López Béjar in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Teresa Mogas in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Tania García-Martínez in
Google Scholar
PubMed
In brief
In silico predictions validated in this study demonstrate the potential for designing shorter equilibration protocols that improve post-warming re-expansion and hatching rates of D7 and D8 in vitro-produced bovine embryos. Our results benefit the livestock industry by providing a refined and reproducible approach to cryopreserving bovine embryos, which, in addition, could be useful for other mammalian species.
Abstract
The cryopreservation of in vitro-produced (IVP) embryos is vital in the cattle industry for genetic selection and crossbreeding programs. Despite its importance, there is no standardized protocol yielding pregnancy rates comparable to fresh embryos. Current approaches often neglect the osmotic tolerance responses to cryoprotectants based on temperature and time. Hereby, we propose improved vitrification methods using shorter dehydration-based protocols. Blastocysts cultured for 7 (D7) or 8 days (D8) were exposed to standard equilibration solution (ES) at 25ºC and 38.5ºC. Optimized exposure times for each temperature and their impact on post-warming re-expansion, hatching rates, cell counts, and apoptosis rate were determined. In silico predictions aligned with in vitro observations, showing original volume recovery within 8 min 30 s at 25ºC or 3 min 40 s at 38.5ºC (D7 blastocysts) and 4 min 25 s at 25ºC and 3 min 15 s at 38.5ºC (D8 blastocysts) after exposure to ES. Vitrification at 38.5ºC resulted in D7 blastocysts re-expansion and hatching rates (93.1% and 38.1%, respectively) comparable to fresh embryos (100.0% and 32.4%, respectively), outperforming the 25ºC protocol (86.2% and 24.4%, respectively; P < 0.05). No differences were observed between D7 and D8 blastocysts using the 38.5ºC protocol. Total cell number was maintained for D7 and D8 blastocysts vitrified at 38.5ºC but decreased at 25ºC (P < 0.05). Apoptosis rates increased post-warming (P < 0.05), except for D8 blastocysts vitrified at 38.5ºC, resembling fresh controls. In conclusion, based on biophysical permeability data, new ES incubation times of 3 min 40 s for D7 blastocysts and 3 min 15 s for D8 blastocysts at 38.5ºC were validated for optimizing vitrification/warming methods for bovine IVP blastocysts.
Search for other papers by Giorgia Podico in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by João H Bittar in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Shavahn C Loux in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Fabiana F Souza in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Igor F Canisso in
Google Scholar
PubMed
In brief
In some instances, extra-species breeding in equids is more successful than intraspecies breeding; however, little is known about the immunomodulatory effect of donkey semen and seminal plasma on the mare’s endometrium. This study compared the mare uterine inflammatory response during extra- and intraspecies breeding.
Abstract
Anecdotal experience suggests horse mares have less post-breeding inflammation and better fertility when bred with donkeys. This study aimed to compare the post-breeding inflammatory response of mares exposed to donkey and horse semen and seminal plasma and evaluate the proteome and metabolome of donkey and horse sperm and seminal plasma. Uterine edema, intrauterine fluid accumulation, polymorphonuclear neutrophils on cytology, and concentrations of progesterone, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL1A, IL1B, IL4, IL6, CXCL8, IL10) were assessed pre- and post infusion of semen and seminal plasma (donkey and horse). The metabolome and proteome were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Mare cycles bred with horse semen had a greater progesterone concentration than those bred with donkey semen at 8 days post ovulation (P = 0.046). At 6 h post infusion, the inflammatory response due to the donkey semen tended to be lower (P = 0.074). Donkey seminal plasma had anti-inflammatory properties compared to horse semen and seminal plasma, as determined by fewer neutrophils on uterine cytology (P < 0.05). Horse semen resulted in greater concentrations of IL6 and lesser concentrations of IL1B (P < 0.05). PGE1, PGE3, and lactoferrin concentrations were significantly more abundant in donkey sperm and seminal plasma. Prostaglandins play an important role in immunomodulation and might contribute to the response triggered in interspecies breeding. In conclusion, breeding horse mares with donkey semen induces similar post-breeding endometritis as observed with horse semen. Donkey seminal plasma results in a lower post-infusion inflammatory response compared to other combinations in the immediate post-breeding.
Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Search for other papers by Emma G Whatley in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Search for other papers by Alexandra J Harvey in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Search for other papers by David K Gardner in
Google Scholar
PubMed
In brief
A ketogenic diet (KD) elevates blood β-hydroxybutyrate to concentrations that are known to perturb the development, metabolism, histone acetylation and viability of preimplantation mouse embryos in culture. This study shows that a maternal KD changes available nutrient levels in the oviduct, leading to altered embryo development and epigenetic state in vivo.
Abstract
A ketogenic diet elevates blood β-hydroxybutyrate to concentrations that perturb the development, metabolism, histone acetylation (H3K27ac) and viability of preimplantation mouse embryos in vitro. However, whether a ketogenic diet alters β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations within female reproductive fluid is unknown. This study aimed to quantify glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate within mouse blood and oviduct fluid following standard diet and ketogenic diet consumption and to assess whether a maternal periconceptional ketogenic diet impacts in vivo embryo development and blastocyst H3K27ac. Female C57BL/6 × CBA mice were fed a standard or ketogenic diet (n = 24 each) for 24–27 days. Glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate were quantified in blood via an electronic monitoring system and in oviduct fluid via ultramicrofluorescence. The developmental grade of flushed blastocysts was recorded, and blastocyst cell number and H3K27ac were assessed via immunofluorescence. A maternal ketogenic diet elevated β-hydroxybutyrate in day 24 blood (P < 0.001) and oviduct fluid (P < 0.05) compared with a standard diet, whereas glucose was unchanged. A periconceptional ketogenic diet did not impact blastocyst cell number; however, it significantly delayed blastocyst development (P < 0.05) and reduced trophectoderm-specific H3K27ac (P < 0.05) compared with standard diet-derived embryos. Maternal ketogenic diet consumption is, therefore, associated with reproductive tract nutrient changes and altered embryonic development and epigenetics in vivo. Future studies to assess whether periconceptional/gestational ketogenic diet consumption impacts human preimplantation, fetal, and long-term offspring development and health are warranted.
Search for other papers by Nuria Martínez de los Reyes in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Inés Flores-Borobia in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Melissa Carvajal-Serna in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Pilar Marigorta in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Pablo Bermejo-Álvarez in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Priscila Ramos-Ibeas in
Google Scholar
PubMed
In brief
MEK signalling pathway is required for hypoblast differentiation in mouse embryos, but its role in ungulate embryos remains controversial. This paper demonstrates that MEK is required for hypoblast specification in the inner cell mass of the ovine blastocyst and that it plays a role during the hypoblast migration occurring following blastocyst hatching.
Abstract
Early embryo development requires the differentiation of three cell lineages in two differentiation events. The second lineage specification differentiates the inner cell mass into epiblast, which will form the proper fetus, and hypoblast, which together with the trophectoderm will form the extraembryonic membranes and the fetal part of the placenta. MEK signalling pathway is required for hypoblast differentiation in mouse embryos, but its role in ungulate embryos remains controversial. The aim of this work was to analyse the role of MEK signalling on hypoblast specification at the blastocyst stage and on hypoblast migration during post-hatching stages in vitro in the ovine species. Using well-characterized and reliable lineage markers, and different MEK inhibitor concentrations, we demonstrate that MEK signalling pathway is required for hypoblast specification in the inner cell mass of the ovine blastocyst, and that it plays a role during the hypoblast migration occurring following blastocyst hatching. These results show that the role of MEK signalling pathway on hypoblast specification is conserved in phylogenetically distant mammals.
Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
Search for other papers by Niuyi Zheng in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
Search for other papers by Chaolong Wang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
Search for other papers by Yiqiu Li in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
Search for other papers by Haiying Fu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
Search for other papers by Tao Hu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
In brief
Brown adipose tissue impaired in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) plays a crucial role in the treatment of PCOS. This study shows that myricetin potently improves PCOS by activating brown adipose tissue (BAT).
Abstract
PCOS is a complex endocrine disease characterized by hyperandrogenism, anovulation and polycystic ovary, and is often accompanied by metabolic disorder such as insulin resistance. BAT has been considered as a promising target for the treatment of obesity and other metabolic disease. In this study, we showed that 3 weeks of myricetin (a compound from natural product) treatment improved metabolic capacity and insulin sensitivity by activating BAT in dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS mice. Furthermore, increased number of corpus luteum and decreased cystic formation were observed in PCOS mice. With the hormone levels such as luteinizing hormone (LH) were reversed, estrous cycle was also normalized after myricetin treatment. Eventually, myricetin markedly improved reproductive defects in PCOS mice. In short, our results suggest that myricetin treatment dramatically ameliorates ovarian dysfunction and metabolic disturbances in PCOS and provides a novel perspective for the treatment of PCOS.
Search for other papers by Morgan B Feuz in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by D Colton Nelson in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Laura B Miller in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Alexie E Zwerdling in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Ralph G Meyer in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Mirella L Meyer-Ficca in
Google Scholar
PubMed
In brief
In light of the increasing age of first-time fathers, this article summarizes the current scientific knowledge base on reproductive aging in the male, including sperm quality and health impacts for the offspring. The emerging role of NAD decline in reproductive aging is highlighted.
Abstract
Over the past decades, the age of first-time fathers has been steadily increasing due to socio-economic pressures. While general mechanisms of aging are subject to intensive research, male reproductive aging has remained an understudied area, and the effects of increased age on the male reproductive system are still only poorly understood, despite new insights into the potential dire consequences of advanced paternal age for the health of their progeny. There is also growing evidence that reproductive aging is linked to overall health in men, but this review mainly focuses on pathophysiological consequences of old age in men, such as low sperm count and diminished sperm genetic integrity, with an emphasis on mechanisms underlying reproductive aging. The steady decline of NAD levels observed in aging men represents one of the emerging concepts in that regard. Because it offers some mechanistic rationale explaining the effects of old age on the male reproductive system, some of the NAD-dependent functions in male reproduction are briefly outlined in this review. The overview also provides many questions that remain open about the basic science of male reproductive aging.
Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, CDMX, México
Search for other papers by María Fernanda Vergara-Martínez in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Berenice Otero-Díaz in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Ingrid Fetter-Pruneda in
Google Scholar
PubMed
In brief
Social insect queens display both extraordinary longevity and fertility. In this point of view, we describe their distinctive traits that make them useful models for reproductive longevity, holding implications for human health discoveries.
Abstract
Social insects present an extraordinary opportunity as models for reproductive longevity because they challenge the conventional patterns of aging and reproduction seen in other model organisms. Their queens are simultaneously long-lived and highly fecund, and understanding how these traits co-occur may lead to discoveries with important implications for human health.
Search for other papers by Natália Teixeira Wnuk in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by André Felipe Almeida Figueiredo in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Talita de Oliveira Farias in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Marcos Rocha Gouvêa Brener in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Samyra Maria dos Santos Nassif Lacerda in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Vidyleison Neves Camargos in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Paulo Henrique Amaral in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Lídia Maria Andrade in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Maria Ivonete Nogueira Silva in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Roberta Araujo Lopes in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Raphael Escorsim Szawka in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Juan Carlos González in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Mauro Martins Teixeira in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Danielle da Glória de Souza in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Vivian Vasconcelos Costa in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Guilherme Mattos Jardim Costa in
Google Scholar
PubMed
In brief
Congenital ZIKV infection promotes alarming effects on male offspring's reproductive biology. This study showed the presence of the ZIKV antigen in the testis parenchyma, decreased testosterone levels, and sperm abnormalities in male offspring born to infected mothers.
Abstract
Infection with ZIKV during pregnancy is associated with fetal developmental problems. Although neurological issues are being explored more in experimental studies, limited research has focused on the reproductive health consequences for offspring born to infected mothers. In this context, this study aimed to assess the impact of ZIKV infection during pregnancy on the testes and sperm of adult male offspring. Female mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with a Brazil strain of ZIKV during the 5.5th day of embryonic gestation. The offspring were evaluated 12 weeks after birth to analyze cellular and molecular changes in the testes and sperm. A novel approach combining variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry and machine learning modeling was also introduced for sperm sample analysis. The study revealed the presence of ZIKV protein in the testis parenchyma of adult male offspring born to infected mothers. It was shown that the testes exhibited altered steroidogenesis and inflammatory mediators, in addition to significant issues with spermiogenesis that resulted in sperm with DNA fragmentation, head defects, and protamination failure. Additionally, sperm dielectric properties and artificial intelligence showed potential for rapid identification and classification of sperm samples from infected mice. These findings provide crucial insights into the reproductive risks for men born from ZIKV-infected pregnant women.
Centre de recherche en reproduction et fertilité, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
Search for other papers by Mathilde Daudon in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Christelle Ramé in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Christopher A Price in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Joëlle Dupont in
Google Scholar
PubMed
In brief
Dairy cattle experience a period of infertility postpartum that is caused in part by the development of IGF1/insulin resistance. This study suggests that an adipokine, FNDC3A, reduces IGF1-dependent glycolysis and may contribute to postpartum infertility.
Abstract
Dairy cows go through a period of subfertility after parturition, triggered in part by a disruption of energy homeostasis. The mobilization of body fat alters the secretion of adipokines, which have been shown to impact ovarian function. Fibronectin type III domain-containing 3A (FNDC3A) is a recently discovered adipokine-myokine, and FNDC3A mRNA abundance in subcutaneous adipose tissue is increased postpartum in cattle. In this study, we hypothesized that FNDC3A may compromise granulosa cell function in cattle and investigated this using a well-established in vitro cell culture model. Here, we demonstrate the presence of FNDC3A protein associated with extracellular vesicles in follicular fluid and in plasma, suggesting an endocrine role for this adipokine. FNDC3A protein and mRNA was also detected in the bovine ovary (cortex, granulosa and theca cells, cumulus, oocyte and corpus luteum). Abundance of FNDC3A mRNA in granulosa cells from small follicles was increased by in vitro treatment with the adipokines leptin and TNF but not by visfatin, resistin, adiponectin, chemerin or IGF1. Addition of recombinant FNDC3A at physiological doses (10 ng/mL) to granulosa cells decreased IGF1-dependent progesterone but not estradiol secretion and IGF1-dependent lactate secretion and abundance of GLUT3 and GLUT4 mRNA. This concentration of FNDC3A increased cell viability, abundance of mRNA encoding a putative receptor FOLR1, and increased phosphorylation of Akt. Collectively, these data suggest that FNDC3A may regulate folliculogenesis in cattle by modulating IGF1-dependent granulosa cell steroidogenesis and glucose metabolism.
Search for other papers by Marlyne Squatrito in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital de la Citadelle, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
Search for other papers by Julie Vervier in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Jules Bindels in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Laëtitia Bernet in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Silvia Blacher in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Michelle Nisolle in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Carine Munaut in
Google Scholar
PubMed
In brief
The impact of adenomyosis on reproductive health needs to be fully understood. By using a murine model, this study provides novel insights into the nuanced mechanisms associated with fertility challenges and offers a foundation for targeted interventions.
Abstract
This study investigates the intricate relationship between adenomyosis and reproductive health using a murine model, offering novel insights into this prevalent gynecological disorder. Adenomyosis, characterized by the invasive growth of endometrial tissue into the myometrium, is believed to negatively impact fertility. However, the challenge lies in disentangling this influence, as adenomyosis often coexists with other gynecological diseases. A tamoxifen-induced mice model presents a significant advantage by enabling the specific study of adenomyosis, devoid of confounding influences of concurrent gynecological diseases such as endometriosis. Focusing exclusively on adenomyosis, our study aims to elucidate pathogenic mechanisms underlying fertility issues, focusing on estrous cyclicity, ovarian follicle development, and overall fertility. Our findings uncover disruptions in estrous cyclicity, characterized by an increased duration of time spent in the estrus phase in adenomyosis-induced mice. These disturbances are potentially linked to observed compromised folliculogenesis and the remarkable reduction in litter number and size in mice affected by adenomyosis. Moreover, this study unveils potential drivers of subfertility such as progesterone resistance and altered endometrial receptivity. Within the uteri of mice with adenomyosis, reduced expression of the progesterone receptor and a decreased expression of two implantation-related markers (HoxA10 and integrin β3) were observed. This comprehensive examination sheds light on the nuanced complexities of adenomyosis-associated reproductive challenges, providing a foundation for targeted interventions in addressing fertility issues related to this disease.
