Embryo

Background Studies have suggested that embryo-endometrial developmental asynchrony caused by slow-growing embryos can be corrected by freezing the embryo and transferring it back in a subsequent cycle. Therefore, we hypothesized that live birth rates (LBR) would be higher in frozen embryo transfer (FET) compared with fresh embryo transfers. Objective To compare LBR between fresh and FET cycles. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional analysis of 10,744 single autologous embryo transfer cycles that used a single cleavage stage embryo was performed. Multivariate analysis was performed to compare LBR between FET and fresh cycles, after correcting for various confounding factors. Sub-analysis was also performed in cycles using slow embryos. Results Both LBR (19.13% vs 14.13%) and clinical pregnancy (22.48% vs 16.25%) rates (CPR) were higher in the fresh cycle group (p < 0.00). Multivariate analysis for confounding factors also confirmed that women receiving a frozen-thawed embryo had...

Endometrial Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (endMSCs) are multipotent cells with immunomodulatory and pro-regenerative activity which is mainly mediated by a paracrine effect. The exosomes released by MSCs have become a promising therapeutic tool for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. More specifically, extracellular vesicles derived from endMSCs (EV-endMSCs) have demonstrated a cardioprotective effect through the release of anti-apoptotic and pro-angiogenic factors. Here we hypothesize that EV-endMSCs may be used as a co-adjuvant to improve in vitro fertilization outcomes and embryo quality. Firstly, endMSCs and EV-endMSCs were isolated and phenotypically characterized for in vitro assays. Then, in vitro studies were performed on murine embryos co-cultured with EV-endMSCs at different concentrations. Our results firstly demonstrated a significant increase on the total blastomere count of expanded murine blastocysts. Moreover, EV-endMSCs triggered the release of pro-angiogenic mol...

In this work, we applied three-dimensional microCT imaging to study murine embryogenesis in the range from immediate post-implantation period (embryonic day 5.5) to mid-gestation (embryonic day 12.5) with the resolution up to 1.4 µm/voxel. Also, we introduce an imaging procedure for non-invasive volumetric estimation of an entire litter of embryos within the maternal uterine structures. This method allows for an accurate, detailed and systematic morphometric analysis of both embryonic and extra-embryonic components during embryogenesis. Three-dimensional imaging of unperturbed embryos was performed to visualize the egg cylinder, primitive streak, gastrulation and early organogenesis stages of murine development in the C57Bl6/N mouse reference strain. Further, we applied our microCT imaging protocol to determine the earliest point when embryonic development is arrested in a mouse line with knockout for tRNA splicing endonuclease subunit Tsen54 gene. Our analysis determined that the e...

En Colombia se encuentra un antecedente jurídico de protección al no nato,pero con la Sentencia C-355 de 2006 se presentó un cambio en la línea jurisprudencialrespecto al problema jurídico de la legalidad del aborto, al igualque en la iniciación de la vida humana y su reconocimiento y protección enel ordenamiento jurídico. En este cambio jurisprudencial se hizo alusión aprincipios jurídicos como el libre desarrollo de la personalidad, la dignidadhumana, la libertad sexual de la mujer y la perspectiva de vida. En relacióncon esto, siguiendo las reglas de la hermenéutica jurídica, se sopesarondichos principios para llegar al decisum de admitir la legalidad del aborto entres excepciones: cuando el no nacido tenga alguna malformación, cuando el embarazo sea producto de un acceso carnal violento y cuando esté en riesgo la vida de la madre odel ser por nacer. Esta decisión se explica por cuanto los principios y valores que estaban en juego encada caso eran mayores que el derecho a la vida...

Tubulins and microtubules (MTs) represent targets for taxane-based chemotherapy. To date, several lines of evidence suggest that effectiveness of compounds binding tubulin often relies on different post-translational modifications on tubulins. Among them, methylation was recently associated to drug resistance mechanisms impairing taxanes binding. The sea urchin is recognized as a research model in several fields including fertilization, embryo development and toxicology. To date, some α- and β-tubulin genes have been identified in P. lividus, while no data are available in echinoderms for arginine methyl transferases (PRMT). To evaluate the exploiting of the sea urchin embryo in the field of antiproliferative drug development, we carried out a survey of the expressed α- and β-tubulin gene sets, together with a comprehensive analysis of the PRMT gene family and of the methylable arginine residues in P. lividus tubulins. Because of their specificities, the sea urchin embryo may repres...

SR-BI is the main receptor for high density lipoproteins (HDL) and mediates the bidirectional transport of lipids, such as cholesterol and vitamin E, between these particles and cells. During early development, SR-BI is expressed in extraembryonic tissue, specifically in trophoblast giant cells in the parietal yolk sac. We previously showed that approximately 50% of SR-BI(-/-) embryos fail to close the anterior neural tube and develop exencephaly, a perinatal lethal condition. Here, we evaluated the role of SR-BI in embryonic vitamin E uptake during murine neural tube closure. Our results showed that SR-BI(-/-) embryos had a very low vitamin E content in comparison to SR-BI(+/+) embryos. Whereas SR-BI(-/-) embryos with closed neural tubes (nSR-BI(-/-)) had high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), intermediate ROS levels between SR-BI(+/+) and nSR-BI(-/-) embryos were detected in SR-BI(-/-) with NTD (NTD SR-BI(-/-)). Reduced expression of Pax3, Alx1 and Alx3 genes was found in N...

Disrupting the redox balance through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and intracellular glutathione (GSH) depletion presents a promising strategy for cancer therapy. Megadoses of ascorbic acid (AA) can induce oxidative stress in cancer cells, leading to cell death. However, achieving enhanced oxidative stress using ultrahigh doses of AA is challenging because of the intricate delivery of high-concentration AA to the targeted sites while the cancer cells could also re-establish more robust redox homeostasis by upregulating antioxidants such as GSH. Recently, quinone methide and its analogues (QMs) have been recognized as effective GSH scavengers, offering a new dimension to accelerate oxidative stress. In this study, we formulated a dual stimuli-responsive nanoprecursor of AA and QM using gold nanoparticles. The nanoprecursor can release AA in response to the intracellular acidic pH in tumor cells, elevating the intracellular ROS levels and triggering the production of ample QMs to quench excessive GSH. This positive feedback mechanism significantly amplifies oxidative stress and disrupts redox homeostasis in cancer cells at a relatively low concentration of AA, leading to selective apoptosis without affecting normal cells. These results highlight the potential of the nanoprecursor as an effective anticancer therapeutic.

The lipid layer surrounding the vitelline membrane of insect eggs has a critical role in the waterproofing and desiccation resistance of embryos. However, this lipid layer also prevents the flux of chemicals into the embryos, such as cryoprotectants, which are required for successful cryopreservation. The permeabilization studies of silkworm embryos remain insufficient. Therefore, in this study, we developed a permeabilization method to remove the lipid layer in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, and examined factors affecting the viability of dechorionated embryos, including the types and exposure times of chemicals and embryonic stages. Among the chemicals used, hexane and heptane were effective for permeabilization, whereas Triton X-100 and Tween-80 were less effective. Regarding the embryonic stages, there were significant differences between 160 and 166 h after egg laying (AEL) at 25 °C. Consequently, we found that the treatment of 160 AEL embryos with hexane for 30 s was the best cond...

The present paper outlines the establishment of four additional cloned cell lines derived from embryo tissues of Bombyx mori, which were designated as SES-BoMo-J125K 1, SES-BoMoJ125K2, SES-BoMo-J125K5, and SES-BoMo-Jl 25K6. These cell lines were characterized by their suspension-type, karyology, isozyme pattern, and amino acid consumption pattern. Among these cell lines, the SES-BoMo-J125K2 cell line was susceptible to Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus, and could be cultured in the serum-free medium (l,l[M-SF). This cell line could be used for the production of useful proteins or to control pests using baculoviruses. Discipline: Bi ote chnol ogy/Seri culture Additional keyword: cell cloning, characterization, nuclear polyhedrosis virus, serum-free medium, virus multiplication

The dioxin-inducible cytochrome P(1)450 (Cyp1a1 gene) and P(3)450 (Cyp1a2 gene) enzymes have been implicated in the metabolism of numerous polycyclic hydrocarbons and arylamines, respectively. The prototypic inducer 3-methylcholanthrene was given to the pregnant mouse, and the intrauterine response was examined with the use of in situ hybridization. During the early postimplantation stage, inducible Cyp1a1 mRNA is detected in specific cell types in the extraembryonic tissues only. This selective expression along with the lack of detectable constitutive Cyp1a1 and constitutive or inducible Cyp1a2 gene transcripts between 5.3 and 14.5 days of gestation suggest that (i) these two genes appear to play no endogenous role during differentiation and (ii) the metabolic activity of the inducible Cyp1a1 enzyme may be important to the embryo and fetus from the standpoint of protection against toxic foodstuff and other environmental chemicals.

Study question Is it safe to use metabolic imaging to measure nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) associated auto-fluorescence during embryo development using adapted confocal microscopy? Summary answer Non-invasive metabolic imaging is safe as no differences were observed between controls and illuminated embryos in terms of embryo development, blastocyst formation and implantation potential. What is known already Developing non-invasive methods that are reliable to assess oocyte and embryo quality has been a significant aim for assisted reproductive technologies. Changes in metabolic activity could lead to cell death or abnormal embryo development and low implantation potential. This could potentially be predicted by incorporating non-invasive measurements of metabolism. Metabolic imaging in embryos has been investigated through complex methodologies, however, scientific evidence for its utility during embryo development using simple technology remains unexplored. Measurements...

Endometrial extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as important players in reproductive biology. However, how their proteome is regulated throughout the menstrual cycle is not known. Such information can provide novel insights into biological processes critical for embryo development, implantation, and successful pregnancy. Using mass spectrometry‐based quantitative proteomics, we show that small EVs (sEVs) isolated from uterine lavage of fertile women (UL‐sEV), compared to infertile women, are laden with proteins implicated in antioxidant activity (SOD1, GSTO1, MPO, CAT). Functionally, sEVs derived from endometrial cells enhance antioxidant function in trophectoderm cells. Moreover, there was striking enrichment of invasion‐related proteins (LGALS1/3, S100A4/11) in fertile UL‐sEVs in the secretory (estrogen plus progesterone‐driven, EP) versus proliferative (estrogen‐driven, E) phase, with several players downregulated in infertile UL‐sEVs. Consistent with this, sEVs from EP‐ ve...

STUDY QUESTIONDoes female ageing have a negative effect on the DNA repair capacity of oocytes fertilised by spermatozoa with controlled levels of DNA damage?SUMMARY ANSWERCompared to oocytes from younger females, oocytes from older females have a reduced capacity to repair damaged DNA introduced by spermatozoa.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYThe reproductive lifespan in women declines with age predominantly due to poor oocyte quality. This leads to decreased reproductive outcomes for older women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments, compared to young women. Ageing and oocyte quality have been clearly associated with aneuploidy, but the range of factors that influence this change in oocyte quality with age remains unclear. The DNA repair activity prior to embryonic genomic activation is considered to be of maternal origin, with maternal transcripts and proteins controlling DNA integrity. With increasing maternal age, the number of mRNAs stored in oocytes decreases. This ...

The specific role of the canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway during the preimplantation development of goat remains unclear. Our objective was to investigate the expression of β-CATENIN, one of the critical components of Wnt signaling pathway, in IVF embryos and compare it with SCNT embryos in goat. In addition, we evaluated the consequence of inhibition of β-catenin using IWR1. Initially, we observed cytoplasmic expression of β-CATENIN in 2 and 8–16 cell stage embryos and membranous expression of β-CATENIN in compact morula and blastocyst stages. Furthermore, while we observed exclusively membranous localization of β-catenin in IVF blastocysts, we observed both membranous and cytoplasmic localization in SCNT blastocysts. We observed that Inhibition of WNT signaling by IWR1 during compact morula to blastocyst transition (from day 4 till day 7 of in vitro culture) increased blastocyst formation rate in both IVF and SCNT embryos. In conclusion, it seems that WNT signaling system...

Background Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is an approach for the propagation of elite animals. In vitro condition, especially the composition of culture media has a profound effect on the developmental competency of in vitro derived e mbryos. There are limited studies evaluating the effect of culture media on SCNT outcomes. To address this gap, we compare the effect of two culture media synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) vs. commercial bracket-oliphant (BO) on developmental comptenecy. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, embryos derived from in vitro fertilized (IVF) and SCNT were cultured in both BO and SOF media for 7 days. In addition to the assessment of cleavage and blastocyst on day 3, and 7, the quantitative expression of 16 genes in theresultant blastocysts were assessed. The resultant SCNT blastocysts from SOF and BO groups were also transferred to the synchronized recipient for developmental competency to term. Results The blastocyst rate in the BO medium wa...

Paria Behdarvandiyan ACECR Institute of Higher Education (Isfahan Branch) Sayedeh Sahar Hosseini ACECR Institute of Higher Education (Isfahan Branch) Farnoosh Jafarpour Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR Mehdi Hajian Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR Morteza Hosseini Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR Mohsen Rahimi Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR Reza Moradi Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR Yasaman Kalantar Motamedi University of Cambridge Andreas Bender (  ab454@cam.ac.uk ) University of Cambridge Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR

 Hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA) is one of the emerging replacements for the “forever” carcinogenic and toxic long-chain PFAS. HFPO-DA is a polymerization aid used for manufacturing fluoropolymers, whose global distribution and undetermined toxic properties are a concern regarding human and ecological health. To assess embryotoxic potential, zebrafish embryos were exposed to HFPO-DA at concentrations of 0.5–20,000 mg/L at 24-, 48-, and 72-h post-fertilization (hpf). Heart rate increased significantly in embryos exposed to 2 mg/L and 10 mg/L HFPO-DA across all time points. Spinal deformities and edema phenotypes were evident among embryos exposed to 1000–16,000 mg/L HFPO-DA at 72 hpf. A median lethal concentration (LC50) was derived as 7651 mg/L at 72 hpf. Shallow RNA sequencing analysis of 9465 transcripts identified 38 consistently differentially expressed genes at 0.5 mg/L, 1 mg/L, 2 mg/L, and 10 mg/L HFPO-DA exposures. Notably, seven downregulated genes were associ...

Background The teleost fish Fundulus heteroclitus inhabit estuaries heavily polluted with persistent and bioaccumulative chemicals. While embryos of parents from polluted sites are remarkably resistant to toxic sediment and develop normally, embryos of parents from relatively clean estuaries, when treated with polluted sediment extracts, are developmentally delayed, displaying deformities characteristic of pollution-induced embryotoxicity. To gain insight into parental effects on sensitive and resistant phenotypes during late organogenesis, we established sensitive, resistant, and crossed embryo families using five female and five male parents from relatively clean and predominantly PAH-polluted estuaries each, measured heart rates, and quantified individual embryo expression of 179 metabolic genes. Results Pollution-induced embryotoxicity manifested as morphological deformities, significant developmental delays, and altered cardiac physiology was evident among sensitive embryos res...