Antifreeze protein type I in the vitrification solution improves the cryopreservation of immature cat oocytes.

Oocyte cryopreservation is not yet considered a reliable technique since it can reduce the quality and survival of oocytes in several species. This study determined the effect of different concentrations of antifreeze protein I (AFP I) on the vitrification solution of immature cat oocytes. For this, oocytes were randomly distributed in three groups and vitrified with 0 µg/mL (G0, 0 µM); 0.5 µg/mL (G0.5, 0.15 µM), or 1 µg/mL (G1, 0.3 µM) of AFP I. After thawing, oocytes were evaluated for morphological quality, and compared to a fresh group (FG) regarding actin integrity, mitochondrial activity and mass, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels, nuclear maturation, expression of GDF9, BMP15, ZAR-1, PRDX1, SIRT1, and SIRT3 genes (normalized by ACTB and YWHAZ genes), and ultrastructure. G0.5 and G1 presented a higher proportion of COCs graded as I and while G0 had a significantly lower quality. G1 had a higher percentage of intact actin in COCs than G0 and G0.5 (P < 0.05). There was no difference (P > 0.05) in the mitochondrial activity between FG and G1 and they were both higher (P < 0.05) than G0 and G0.5. G1 had a significantly lower (P < 0.05) mitochondrial mass than FG and G0, and there was no difference among FG, G0, and G0.5. G1 had higher ROS than all groups (P < 0.05), and there was no difference in GSH levels among the vitrified groups (P > 0.05). For nuclear maturation, there was no difference between G1 and G0.5 (P > 0.05), but these were both higher (P < 0.05) than G0 and lower (P < 0.05) compared to FG. Regarding gene expression, in G0 and G0.5, most genes were downregulated compared to FG, except for SIRT1 and SIRT3 in G0 and SIRT3 in G0.5. In addition, G1 kept the expression more similar to FG. Regardless of concentration, AFP I supplementation in vitrification solution of immature cat oocytes improved maturation rates, morphological quality, and actin integrity and did not impact GSH levels. In the highest concentration tested (1 µg/mL), AFP maintained the mitochondrial activity, reduced mitochondrial mass, increased ROS levels, and had the gene expression more similar to FG. Altogether these data show that AFP supplementation during vitrification seems to mitigate some of the negative impact of cryopreservation improving the integrity and cryosurvival of cat oocytes.

Impact of reducing lipid content during in vitro embryo production: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

There is still no consensus regarding the role of lipid modulators during in vitro embryo production. Thus, we investigated how lipid reducers during the in vitro maturation of oocytes (IVM) or in vitro culture (IVC) of embryos impact their cryotolerance. A literature search was performed using three databases, recovering 43 articles for the systematic review, comprising 75 experiments (13 performed in IVM, 62 in IVC) and testing 13 substances. In 39 % of the experiments, an increase in oocyte and/or embryo survival after cryopreservation was reported, in contrast to 48 % exhibiting no effect, 5 % causing negative effects, and 8 % influencing in a dose-dependent manner. Of the 75 experiments extracted during IVM and IVC, 41 quantified the lipid content. Of those that reduced lipid content (n = 26), 50 % increased cryotolerance, 34 % had no effect, 8 % harmed oocyte/embryo survival, and 8 % had different results depending on the concentration used. Moreover, 28 out of the 43 studies were analyzed under a meta-analytical approach at the IVC stage in cattle. There was an improvement in the cryotolerance of bovine embryos when the lipid content was reduced. Forskolin, l-carnitine, and phenazine ethosulfate positively affected cryotolerance, while conjugated linoleic acid had no effect and impaired embryonic development. Moreover, fetal bovine serum has a positive impact on cryotolerance. SOF and CR1aa IVC media improved cryotolerance, while mSOF showed no effect. In conclusion, lipid modulators did not unanimously improve cryotolerance, especially when used in IVM, but presented positive effects on cryotolerance during IVC when reaching lipid reduction.

Effect of antifreeze protein I in the freezing solution on in vivo-derived sheep embryos.

This study evaluated the effects of different antifreeze protein type I (AFP I) concentrations added to a slow freezing solution in sheep in vivo-derived embryos. Good-quality embryos were allocated into: AFP-free (CONT); 0.1 µg/mL of AFP I (AFP0.1); or 0.5 µg/mL of AFP I (AFP0.5). After thawing, embryos were in vitro cultured (IVC) for 48 h. At 24 h and 48 h of IVC, dead cells and apoptosis, mitochondrial activity, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glutathione (GSH) evaluations were performed. At 24 h, evaluated embryos were submitted to RT-qPCR for metabolism (SIRT2, PRDX1, OCT4, CDX2) and quality (AQP3, CDH1, HSP70, BAX, BCL2) genes. The in vitro survival rate was 56% (22/39) for CONT, 60% (32/53) for AFP0.1, and 53% (23/43) for AFP0.5 (p > 0.05). A tendency (p = 0.09) for a higher blastocyst hatching rate was noted in AFP0.1 (62%) compared to AFP0.5 (33%), and both groups were similar to CONT (50%). An increased (p < 0.05) mitochondrial activity at 24 h was observed in AFP0.1 compared to CONT. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed in oxidative stress homeostasis and viability between treatments. A downregulation (p < 0.05) of CDH1 in AFP0.1 and a downregulation of AQP3 in AFP0.5 were observed in comparison to the other groups. An upregulation (p < 0.05) was detected in HSP70 and BCL2 on AFP0.5 compared to AFP0.1 group. The addition of AFP I in slow freezing solution can benefit cryopreserved sheep in vivo-derived embryos, without affecting embryonic survival.

The effects of heat stress on intrauterine development, reproductive function, and ovarian gene expression of F1 female mice as well as gene expression of F2 embryos†.

Exposure to heat stress (HS) in utero was postulated to trigger an adaptive molecular response that can be transmitted to the next generation. Hence, this study assessed the impact of HS exposure at different stages of the gestational period of mice on the female F1 population and their offspring. Heat stress exposure (41°C and 65% relative humidity-RH) occurred during the first half (FP), the second half (SP), or the entire pregnancy (TP). A control group (C) was maintained in normothermic conditions (25°C, 45% RH) throughout the experiment. Heat stress had a significant negative effect on intrauterine development, mainly when HS exposure occurred in the first half of pregnancy (FP and TP groups). Postnatal growth of FP and TP mice was hindered until 4 weeks of age. The total number of follicles per ovary did not vary (P > 0.05) between the control and HS-exposed groups. Mean numbers of primordial follicles were lower (P < 0.05) in the sexually mature FP than those in SP and TP F1 females. However, the mean number of viable embryos after superovulation was lower (P < 0.05) in TP compared with C group. The expression of genes associated with physiological and cellular response to HS, autophagy, and apoptosis was significantly affected in the ovarian tissue of F1 females and F2 in vivo-derived blastocysts in all HS-exposed groups. In conclusion, exposure to HS during pregnancy compromised somatic development and reproductive parameters as well as altered gene expression profile that was then transmitted to the next generation of mice.

The coasting time affects the quality of cumulus-oocyte complexes in superstimulated ewes.

We hypothesized that the coasting time may be beneficial to the quality of cumulus-oocyte complexes recovered from live ewes, as reported in cattle. The present study assessed the effect of coasting times on the quantity and quality of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in sheep. All ewes were subjected to the "Day 0 protocol", followed by an ovarian stimulation (80 mg of pFSH in three decreasing doses), varying only the coasting time [12 (G12), 36 (G36), or 60 h (G60]. In Experiment 1, data regarding follicular population was assessed. In Experiment 2, the COC quality was checked by their morphology, brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) test, evaluation of chromatin condensation pattern, and oocyte diameter. In Experiment 3, genes related to oocyte developmental competence were evaluated in BCB + COCs. The oocytes in the G60 group had more (P < 0.05) large follicles than the other groups and oocytes with a greater diameter than the G12. Oocyte morphology was similar (P > 0.05) among groups, as well as the BCB + COCs quantity. The G60-oocytes presented a better (P < 0.05) configuration of chromatin condensation compared with the other groups and a greater (P < 0.05) gene expression of BMP15, MATER, ZAR1, and PTGS2 compared with G12, and PTGS2 and HAS2 compared with G36 group. In conclusion, 60 h of coasting time positively affects the quality of COCs recovered after subjecting ewes to the "Day 0 protocol" and ovarian superstimulation. Implementing the appropriate coasting time to a given protocol can positively impact the in vitro embryo production outcomes in sheep.

The Simulated Physiological Oocyte Maturation (SPOM) system in domestic animals: A systematic review.

Simulated Physiological Oocyte Maturation (SPOM) mimics in vitro the physiological events of oocyte maturation. The system uses cAMP modulators in two steps (pre IVM and IVM) and has presented promising results that are arousing the curiosity of IVF programs in different animal species, generating several papers, adaptations, and controversies worldwide. This study systematically analyses the data in the literature on the use of SPOM and compares the outcomes to the original paper (Albuz et al. Hum. Rep., 25: 2999-3011 2010), classifying them into success or failure. The PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched and 22 studies were included, from which data on 26 experiments were extracted and evaluated via descriptive statistical analysis. Only experiments that assessed the blastocyst rate (BR) were considered for the success parameter, i.e. success (increase in BR) or failure (either no difference or a reduction in BR). The experiments applied the SPOM system in the following species: cattle, sheep, goats, mice, mares and cats. Three experiments (3/26) could not be evaluated for success or failure, and of the remaining, 34.7% (8/23) succeeded in improving blastocyst production. More than two-thirds (69.2%, 18/26) of experiments were conducted in cattle; of those, 86.8% (13/15) used TCM-199 as the IVM media, and 22.2% did not use forskolin or IBMX modulators as indicated in the original study. Also, 27.7% (5/18) of the experiments in cattle used the same type and dose of FSH, and 22% (4/18) used the same protein source and concentration as indicated in the original study. All experiments conducted in mice (3) kept the parameters of the original study in terms of forskolin and IBMX doses and BSA and FSH concentrations, however, they removed cilostamide from IVM. Cilostamide was used during IVM in more than half (53.8%) of all experiments, but only in cattle and sheep. Considering oocyte and embryo assessments, six experiments assessed cAMP levels and most (5/6) of these observed an increase: in cattle (2), sheep (2), and mice (1). Ten experiments evaluated the effect of SPOM on nuclear maturation, and in 90% (9/10), the SPOM system was able to arrest meiosis (cattle, sheep and mice). Thirteen experiments evaluated the total cell number (cattle, mice and sheep), and six (6/13) showed an increase. Our findings clearly indicate difficulties in reproducing the SPOM system worldwide, demonstrating that the meiosis arrest is not sufficient to ensure successful SPOM application. They also suggest that the different supplements used in the IVM medium and/or their interaction with modulators for different durations may produce a significant bias that affects experimental success.

Nonsurgical Embryo Recovery as a Feasible Tool for Supporting Embryo Biobanks of Locally Adapted Brazilian Sheep and Goats.

This study assessed the outcomes of nonsurgical embryo recovery (NSER) after superovulation (SOV) in five locally adapted Brazilian breeds of sheep and goats. The objective was to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of using SOV combined with a less-invasive embryo collection technique for supplying the Brazilian animal gene bank with germplasm from specific genotypes of interest. Morada Nova (n = 20), Santa Inês (n = 20), and Somalis (n = 20) ewes received an intravaginal progesterone (330 mg) device for 9 days, while Canindé (n = 15) and Moxotó (n = 15) goats received an intravaginal medroxyprogesterone acetate (60 mg) device for 6 days. All females received 133 mg of porcine follicle-stimulating hormone (pFSH) administrated in six decreasing doses 12 hours apart, starting 60 hours before device removal, plus 37.5 µg of d-cloprostenol at the fifth and sixth pFSH dose. Donors in estrus were mated with fertile males. The corpora lutea (CL) number was assessed by ultrasonography 1 day before NSER. On day 6.5 or 7 after estrus, NSER was performed following hormonally induced cervical relaxation. A total of 97% of sheep and 90% of goats responded with estrus, and among those, 91% of sheep and 85% of goats presented a CL. In ewes, the numbers of CL were greater (p < 0.05) in the Santa Inês breed, while similar (p > 0.05) CL numbers were found among the goat breeds. All viable embryos were freezable (excellent and good quality) and the number per donor was 7.8 for sheep and 4.9 for goats. All parameters of NSER efficiency, embryo yield, and fertility post-NSER did not differ (p > 0.05) between breeds among each species. The SOV-NSER procedures applied for an embryo biobank supply of locally adapted Brazilian breeds of small ruminants were efficient regarding production of cryopreservable embryos, and preservation of donor fertility. Therefore, SOV followed by NSER is recommended for embryo biobank assembly in sheep and goats.

Transcervical Versus Laparotomy Embryo Recovery: What Strategy Is Best for Embryo Bank Formation in the Canindé Goat Conservation Program?

By allowing for the creation of embryo banks, reproductive biotechnologies play an essential role in the preservation of endangered goat breeds' genetic diversity. This study focused on comparing both available embryo collection methods [laparotomy (LAP) vs. nonsurgical embryo recovery (NSER)] in Canindé goats to create an embryo bank for later use in a breed conservation program. Twelve females were superovulated and subjected to either the LAP or NSER technique for embryo recovery. The recovery rate was similar (p > 0.05) between NSER (86.8% ± 5.6%) and LAP (92.8% ± 4.0%). Moreover, there were no differences (p > 0.05) in the number of structures recovered, the viable embryos, and the freezable embryos per goat, respectively, for NSER (11.7 ± 1.3, 11.2 ± 1.5, and 10.2 ± 1.1) and LAP (10.3 ± 1.0, 8.7 ± 0.7, and 8.0 ± 0.8). Overall, 132 structures were collected out of 151 ovulations (∼12.6 ± 1.2 corpora lutea per goat). Finally, the procedure duration time was also similar (p > 0.05) for NSER versus LAP, respectively: 32.3 ± 3.3 versus 30.8 ± 3.9 minutes. In conclusion, the NSER method results proved to be similar to the LAP technique in small-sized Canindé goats. It was noticeable, however, that the NSER technique is simpler and provides the possibility for successive procedures with few health risks and sequels for females. This study may hopefully boost in vivo embryo production programs in the Canindé breed, facilitating the formation of embryo banks and so assuring the availability of genetic diversity before any decline becomes irreversible.

Antifreeze proteins for low-temperature preservation in reproductive medicine: A systematic review over the last three decades.

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are synthesized by diverse non-mammalian species, allowing them to survive in severely cold environments. Since the 1990s, the scientific literature reports their use for low-temperature preservation of germplasm. The aim of this systematic review was to compile available scientific evidence regarding the use of AFP for low-temperature preservation of several reproductive specimens. Internet databases were consulted using the terms: "antifreeze protein" OR "AFP" OR "antifreeze glycoprotein" OR "AFGP" OR "ice-binding protein" OR "IBP" OR "thermal hysteresis protein" AND "cryopreservation". From 56 articles, 87 experiments testing AFPs in low-temperature preservation of gametes, embryos or reproductive tissues/cells were fully analyzed and outcomes were annotated. A positive outcome was considered as a statistically significant improvement on any parameter evaluated after low-temperature preservation with AFP, whereas a negative outcome included worsening of any evaluated parameter, in comparison to untreated groups or groups treated with a lower concentration of AFP. The findings indicated that research on the use of AFP as a cryoprotectant for reproductive specimens has increased markedly over the past decade. Some experiments reported both positive and negative results, which depended, on AFP concentration in the preservation media. Variation in the outcomes associated with species was also observed. Among the 66 experiments conducted in mammals, 77.3% resulted in positive, and 28.8% in negative outcomes after the use of AFP. In fishes, positive and negative outcomes were observed in 71.4% and 33.3% of 21 experiments, respectively. Most positive outcomes included preserving cell post-warming survival. The beneficial effect of AFP supports its use in cryobiological approaches used in human and veterinary medicines and animal protein industry. Moreover, combination of different AFP types, or AFP with antioxidants, or even the use of AFP-biosimilar, comprise some promising approaches to be further explored in cryopreservation.

Reproductive Seasonality Affects In Vitro Embryo Production Outcomes in Adult Goats.

Reproductive seasonality may have a considerable influence on the efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies in seasonal species. This study evaluated the effect of season on cleavage, blastocyst rates and quality of in vitro produced (IVP) goat embryos. In total, 2348 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were recovered from slaughterhouse ovaries and subjected to the same IVP system throughout 1.5 years (49 replicates). The odds ratio (OR) among seasons was calculated from values of cleavage and blastocyst rates in each season. Cleavage rate was lower (p < 0.05) in spring (anestrus), in comparison with either autumn (peak of breeding season) or summer, while the winter had intermediate values. Furthermore, lower OR of cleavage was observed in spring. Blastocyst formation rate (from initial number of COCs) was higher (p < 0.05) in autumn (52 ± 2.5%) when compared with the other seasons (combined rates: 40 ± 1.9%). Moreover, its OR was higher (p < 0.05) in autumn compared to all other seasons and impaired in the spring compared to winter (OR: 0.54) and summer (OR: 0.48). Embryo hatchability and blastocyst cell number were similar (p > 0.05) among seasons. In conclusion, the breeding season leads to improved oocyte developmental competence, resulting in higher cleavage and blastocyst yield, whereas embryo quality remained similar throughout the years.

Addition of antifreeze protein type I or III to extenders for ram sperm cryopreservation.

Antifreeze proteins (AFP) play an important role in cellular survival at sub-zero temperatures. This study assessed the effect of AFP type I or III in semen extender (TRIS-egg yolk) for ram sperm cryopreservation. Pooled semen of four rams were allocated into five treatments: Control (CONT, without AFP); AFP Type I [0.1 (AFPI-0.1) or 0.5 (AFPI-0.5) µg/mL]; or III [0.1 (AFPIII-0.1) or 0.5 (AFPIII-0.5) µg/mL], and then frozen in six replicates. Treatments affected kinetic parameters, plasma membrane integrity and morphology (P < 0.05). The AFPIII-0.1 presented lesser total motility. Linearity was greater in AFPI-0.1, AFPI-0.5 and AFPIII-0.5 and straightness was greater in all AFP-supplemented extenders. Plasma membrane integrity was greater in AFPI-0.1 and AFPI-0.5. All AFP groups had greater percentage of normal sperm than CONT. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed in hypoosmotic test, sperm acrosome status, mitochondrial activity, chromatin condensation, perivitelline membrane binding rate and lipoperoxidation. In conclusion, the use of AFP, predominantly type I, may increase sperm cell protection during cryopreservation, with no adverse effect on potential fertilization capacity or increase in reactive oxygen species, being a potential cryoprotectant to ram sperm.

In vitro production of small ruminant embryos: latest improvements and further research.

This review presents the latest advances in and main obstacles to the application of invitro embryo production (IVEP) systems in small ruminants. This biotechnology is an extremely important tool for genetic improvement for livestock and is essential for the establishment of other biotechnologies, such as cloning and transgenesis. At present, the IVEP market is almost non-existent for small ruminants, in contrast with the trends observed in cattle. This is probably related to the lower added value of small ruminants, lower commercial demand and fewer qualified professionals interested in this area. Moreover, there are fewer research groups working on small ruminant IVEP than those working with cattle and pigs. The heterogeneity of oocytes collected from growing follicles in live females or from ovaries collected from abattoirs remains a challenge for IVEP dissemination in goats and sheep. Of note, although the logistics of oocyte collection from live small ruminant females are more complex than in the bovine, in general the IVEP outcomes, in terms of blastocyst production, are similar. We anticipate that after appropriate training and repeatable results, the commercial demand for small ruminant invitro -produced embryos may increase.

Embryo development is impaired in goats that are treated for hydrometra and subsequently subjected to superovulation.

BACKGROUND: Reproductive efficiency after hydrometra (HD) treatment is usually unsatisfactory. METHODS: To identify mechanisms involved in low reproductive efficiency of HD-treated goats, pluriparous dairy goats treated for HD (n=10, HD) or with no reproductive disorders (n=11, control: CONT) were induced to oestrus and superovulated. Goats were mated with fertile bucks and seven days after oestrus, non-surgical embryo recovery was performed. Embryos were evaluated and gene expression was performed. RESULTS: There were no differences (P>0.05) in sexual behaviour parameters, superovulation response, mean number of retrieved structures and viable embryos between groups; although embryo recovery rate was higher (P=0.01) in CONT group. Structures in delayed stage (8-16 cells) were more frequent (P<0.05) in HD (29 vs 1 per cent) goats, as well as the percentage of advanced embryos was greater (P<0.05) for CONT (59.3 vs 33.3 per cent) goats. However, the expression of genes related to apoptosis (BAX and Bcl-2), trophectoderm differentiation (CDX2) and pluripotency maintenance (NANOG) was not affected (P>0.05) in embryos that reached the morulae and blastocyst stages. CONCLUSION: Although the HD embryos that developed to morula and blastocyst stages showed no change in the expression of genes related to their quality and implantation capacity, overall, embryo development was impaired in HD-treated goats.

Gene expression patterns of in vivo-derived sheep blastocysts is more affected by vitrification than slow freezing technique.

Transfer of fresh sheep embryos frequently results in higher pregnancy rate compared to cryopreserved ones, possibly due to a failure in the communication between the cryopreserved embryo and the endometrium during pre-implantation and pregnancy establishment. Thus, this study assessed the effect of sheep embryo cryopreservation (slow freezing or vitrification) on embryo survival rate and expression of genes related to trophectoderm differentiation (CDX2), pluripotency maintenance (NANOG), cell proliferation (TGFB1), mitochondrial activity (NRF1) and apoptosis (BAX and BCL2). Superovulation (n = 32 ewes) was performed and embryos were transcervically collected. One hundred good quality (Grade I and II) embryos were allocated into three groups: fresh embryos (CTL; n = 15), slow freezing (SF; n = 42) or vitrification (VT; n = 43). After thawing/warming, three pools of five blastocysts per group were used for RT-qPCR; the remaining 55 embryos were cultured in vitro in SOFaa medium at 38.5 °C and 5% CO2 (SF: n = 27 and VT: n = 28). Survival rate of SF and VT were, respectively, 29.6% (8/27) and 14.2% (4/28) at 24 h; and 48.1% (13/27) and 32.1% (9/28) at 48 h (P > 0.05). Only CDX2 was affected (up-regulated, P < 0.05) in both groups compared to CTL. The BAX transcript was upregulated in VT, compared to SF group. The VT increased (P < 0.05) the expression of all genes, except for NANOG and NRF1, when compared to the CTL. In conclusion, although in vitro survival was similar between techniques, VT led to increased changes in blastocyst gene expression compared to CTL and SF.

Supplementation of 17ß-estradiol and progesterone in the co-culture medium of bovine oviductal epithelial cells and ovine spermatozoa reduces the sperm kinematics and capacitation.

This study investigated the effect that bovine oviductal epithelial cell (BOEC) and ovine spermatozoa co-culture exposed to different hormonal environments had on ram sperm function over the course of a 24-h incubation period. Ram cooled-stored spermatozoa were selected by swim-up and then co-cultured separately for 24 h at 38.5 °C under 5% CO2 with either: (1) Fert-TALP medium (positive control [POSControl]), (2) Fert-TALP medium supplemented with 17ß-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) at concentrations similar to follicular phase (Follicular NEGControl), (3) Fert-TALP medium supplemented with E2 and P4 concentrations similar to luteal phase (Luteal NEGControl), (4) BOEC cultured in the same medium as that of the Follicular NEGControl group (Follicular BOEC group), or (5) BOEC cultured in the same medium as that of the Luteal NEGControl group (Luteal BOEC group). The sperm kinematics, capacitation status, and plasma membrane (PM) integrity were evaluated at different intervals. Sperm PM integrity was not affected (P ˃ 0.05) by BOEC co-culture, regardless of the phase of the estrous cycle. After 4 h of incubation, the Luteal BOEC group presented lower (P < 0.05) progressive motility and total motility than the Luteal NEGControl group while the Follicular BOEC group showed lower (P < 0.05) velocimetric parameters and progressive motility than the Follicular NEGControl group. Throughout the incubation period, both BOEC co-culture groups showed a decrease (P < 0.05) in their capacitation rate in comparison to the POSControl group. Conversely, the Luteal BOEC group presented a higher (P < 0.05) non-capacitated rate than both the POSControl and Luteal NEGControl groups. In conclusion, BOEC co-culture with ovine spermatozoa at either the follicular or luteal phase decreases sperm kinematics and delays sperm capacitation.

l-carnitine supplementation during vitrification or warming of in vivo-produced ovine embryos does not affect embryonic survival rates, but alters CrAT and PRDX1 expression.

l-carnitine is an antioxidant and ß-oxidation stimulator substance commonly used to improve metabolic performance of oocytes and embryos in in vitro systems. However, few studies have evaluated its beneficial effects in embryos produced in vivo. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of l-carnitine supplementation into vitrification or warming solutions on the post-warming character of day 6-7 in vivo-produced ovine embryos. l-carnitine (3.72 mM) was added to vitrification (Experiment 1) or warming solutions (Experiment 2). In experiments 1 and 2, the embryos were vitrified using straw and cryo-tip protocols, respectively. In vitro culture (IVC) of warmed embryos was performed for 72 h in order to evaluate survival rates, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, total cell number (TCN), number of apoptotic cells, apoptotic index evaluation, and gene expression analysis of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I and 2 (CPT1 and CPT2), carnitine O-acetyltransferase (CrAT), and peroxiredoxin-1 (PRDX1). In experiment 1, survival rate, ROS levels after 24 h of IVC, total cell number at 24 h and 72 h, apoptotic cells and apoptotic index at 72 h of IVC were similar in embryos vitrified in medium supplemented with LC or not. Gene expression analysis showed no differences in CPT1 and CPT2 mRNA relative abundance in embryos of both experiments compared to fresh embryos (FE); however, CrAT was downregulated (p < 0.05) in C1, and PRDX1 was downregulated (p < 0.05) in both the control (C1) and l-carnitine (LC1) groups, compared to FE. Moreover, CrAT and PRDX1 were upregulated (p < 0.05) in C2, and CrAT was downregulated (p < 0.05) in LC2, in relation to FE. Although the short-term LC supplementation at 3.72 mM did not improve survival, and quality parameters of in vivo-produced ovine embryos, it could affect their quality at a molecular level. In conclusion, further investigations with different concentrations of LC and tools are needed for improvement of the efficiency of these strategies.

Proteomic analysis of follicular fluid from tropically-adapted goats.

The present study was conducted to characterize the major proteome of ovarian follicular fluid from locally-adapted, "Canindé" goats in the northeast of Brazil. Eight estrous cycling goats received a hormonal treatment consisting of medroxyprogesterone acetate, D-cloprostenol and FSH. Fluid was collected by laparoscopy from small (<3mm), medium (3-4mm) and large (>4mm) follicles and then, proteins were analyzed by 2-D SDS-PAGE and tandem mass spectrometry. Thirty-six proteins were identified in the goat follicular fluid, including albumin, immunoglobulins, ceruloplasmin, complement factor B, alpha-1B-glycoprotein precursor, serotransferrin, complement C3 and serpins, among others. Albumin and immunoglobulins were the most abundant proteins. Protein concentrations were similar in the fluid from small (45.3±3.1mg/mL), medium (44.2±3.3mg/mL) and large follicles (45.1±2.3mg/mL). The intensities of spots identified in 2-D gels as serotransferrin, zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein-like, complement factor B and complement protein C3 differed (P<0.05) among follicle categories. The amount of serotransferrin was greater in the medium than small follicles (P<0.05). Content of zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein-like, complement factor B and complement C3 was greater (P<0.05) in the fluid of large follicles than in medium follicles. Based on gene ontology, the major molecular functions associated with goat follicular fluid proteins were binding and catalytic activity, while the main biological processes were related to regulation, cellular processing, location and the immune system. In conclusion, the major proteome of the follicular fluid from goats subjected to hormonal stimulation was elucidated in the present study. Also, molecules associated with follicle development are potential biomarkers of oocyte competence were prevalent.

Non-surgical embryo transfer in goats and sheep: the Brazilian experience.

Brazil has presented tremendous progress in non-surgical embryo transfer (NSET) in sheep and goats. New instruments and techniques for non-surgical embryo recovery (NSER) and NSET in small ruminants were implemented. Recent improvements include refinement of the protocols for cervical relaxation combining oestradiol-oxytocin-cloprostenol treatment at specific times before NSER in sheep; recipient goats do not require any hormonal drugs to induce cervical dilation and direct embryo transfer by the cervical route yields excellent results. Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography (B-mode but especially colour Doppler) have proven to be accurate methods to localise and enumerate corpora lutea and luteinised unovulated follicles in recipient and donor does and ewes. An array of new criteria for selecting superior animals for NSER and NSET (e.g. cervical mapping) have been developed by Brazilian researchers. Extensive studies on both technologies were initially conducted in commercial breeds of goats and sheep but have been gradually extended to some native breeds of sheep (germplasm conservation) and dairy goat operations. It is speculated that, in future, NSER and NSET may become methods of choice for caprine and ovine embryo recovery and transfer in Brazil, and then globally. Due primarily to the efficiency of NSET in goats, a novel interspecies (e.g. bovine) IVP method may soon be developed on a large scale. The Brazilian experience is an invaluable source of information and know-how promoting the replacement of conventional surgical assisted reproductive technologies with non-surgical procedures and hence supporting the rapid development of the embryo transfer industry in small ruminants.

Evaluation of cervical mucus and reproductive efficiency of seasonally anovular dairy goats after short-term progestagen-based estrous induction protocols with different gonadotropins.

The use of three different gonadotropins was tested for estrous induction in dairy goats during the non-breeding season. All does received an injection of 30 µg of d-cloprostenol and intravaginal sponges containing 60mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) for 6 d plus 20 IU of porcine FSH (pFSH), 200 IU of eCG or 250 IU of hCG 24h before sponge removal. In Experiment 1 (n=24), ovarian ultrasound parameters were recorded and cervical mucus was evaluated daily for 5 d after sponge removal or until ovulation. In Experiment 2 (n=80), reproductive efficiency of artificially inseminated or naturally mated does was assessed. The mean interval from sponge removal to ovulation (73.5±23.7 h), number of ovulations (1.6±0.7) and ovulatory follicle diameter (7.2±0.8 mm) did not vary (P >0.05) among the three groups. At ovulation, cervical mucus had crystalline-striated to striated (22.2%), striated to striated-caseous (72.2%) and striated-caseous to caseous (5.6%) appearance. The largest follicle diameter was greater (P <0.05) in does with crystalline (6.7±1.4 mm), crystalline-striated (7.2±1.1 mm) or striated (7.3±1.3 mm) mucus than in those with striated-caseous (5.3±1.4 mm) or caseous (4.5±1.1 mm) mucus. Percentage of animals exhibiting estrus (92.5%) and conception rate (60.8%) were similar (P >0.05) among the three gonadotropins groups. Results of this study support the use of eCG (200 IU), hCG (250 IU) and pFSH (20 IU) for the estrous induction protocols in dairy goats during the non-breeding season. Cervical mucus evaluation can be used as an additional method to determine the optimal time for artificial insemination in goats.