Mohammadreza Ebrahimi, Laura Mara, Sara Succu, Sergio Domenico Gadau, Maria Grazia Palmerini, Fabrizio Chessa, Maria Dattena, Francesca D Sotgiu, Valeria Pasciu, Ilaria Antenisca Mascitti, Guido Macchiarelli, Alberto Maria Luciano, Fiammetta Berlinguer
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of single versus group culture strategies for cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) derived from early antral follicles (EAFs), with the goal of optimizing culture conditions to increase oocyte availability for assisted reproductive technologies.
Methods: COCs isolated from EAFs (350-450 µm) from sheep ovaries were cultured in TCM199 medium supplemented with 0.15 µg/mL Zn++ as zinc sulfate, 10-4 IU/mL FSH, 10 ng/mL estradiol, 50 ng/mL testosterone, 50 ng/mL progesterone, and 5 µM Cilostamide. After 5 days of long in vitro culture (LIVC), COCs underwent in vitro maturation. This study investigated the effects of single and group culture conditions on COCs, focusing on morphology (integrity of oocyte-granulosa cell complex), viability, oocyte diameter, chromatin configuration, and ultrastructure. Additional factors influencing developmental competence were assessed, including global transcriptional activity, gap junction communication, and meiotic competence. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial activity were also measured.
Results: No significant differences were observed between groups in terms of morphology, viability, oocyte diameter, chromatin configuration, ROS levels, or mitochondrial activity. However, group culture resulted in ultrastructural changes, with a notable reduction in global transcriptional activity, an increase in active gap junctions, and a higher rate of meiosis resumption (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: Overall, group culture of COCs derived from sheep EAFs promoted meiosis resumption, suggesting that this approach could improve in vitro culture techniques, increase the availability of mature gametes, and support fertility preservation programs.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics publishes cellular, molecular, genetic, and epigenetic discoveries advancing our understanding of the biology and underlying mechanisms from gametogenesis to offspring health. Special emphasis is placed on the practice and evolution of assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) with reference to the diagnosis and management of diseases affecting fertility. Our goal is to educate our readership in the translation of basic and clinical discoveries made from human or relevant animal models to the safe and efficacious practice of human ARTs. The scientific rigor and ethical standards embraced by the JARG editorial team ensures a broad international base of expertise guiding the marriage of contemporary clinical research paradigms with basic science discovery. JARG publishes original papers, minireviews, case reports, and opinion pieces often combined into special topic issues that will educate clinicians and scientists with interests in the mechanisms of human development that bear on the treatment of infertility and emerging innovations in human ARTs. The guiding principles of male and female reproductive health impacting pre- and post-conceptional viability and developmental potential are emphasized within the purview of human reproductive health in current and future generations of our species.
The journal is published in cooperation with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, an organization of more than 8,000 physicians, researchers, nurses, technicians and other professionals dedicated to advancing knowledge and expertise in reproductive biology.