Dynamics of nuclear and cytoplasm maturation of bovine oocytes cultivated in vitro in medium supplemented with fulerol / Dinâmica da maturação nuclear e citoplasmática de oócitos bovinos cultivados in vitro em meio suplementado com fulerol

The aim of this work was to evaluate, in vitro, the dynamics of nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of bovine oocytes in traditional IVM medium (CT) and supplemented with fullerol (MF50), for 36 hours. The nuclear maturation of CT (n=300) and MF50 (n=270) every 6 hours, stained with Hoechst33342 and cytoplasmic, the mitochondrial distribution of CT (n=197) and MF50 (n=159) at every 12 hours, stained with Mitotracker Orange. At 6 hours, CT oocytes (19%) were in MI (metaphase I), while in MF50 they were in GV (germ vesicle) or GVB (GV breakeage), repeating at 12 hours. At 18 hours, 46.3% were matured in CT, and 20% in MF50. At 24 hours, 43.9% of maturation was observed in the MF50 group, and 63.8% in the CT. At 30 and 36 hours, the maturation pattern was stable, but with the onset of oocyte degeneration. There was a delay in cytoplasmic maturation with 36 hours (P < 0.05) in MF50 (53.9% of mature gametes), compared to CT (69.8%). With immature cytoplasm, they were 10.4% and 31.7% for CT and MF50 (P< 0.05), respectively. It was concluded that fullerol possibly interfered in the expansion of cumulus oophorus cells, as well as delayed the meiotic progression and cytoplasmic maturation.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, in vitro, a dinâmica da maturação nuclear e citoplasmática de oócitos bovinos em meio MIV tradicional (TC) e suplementado com fulerol (MF50), durante 36 horas. Na maturação nuclear do TC (n=300) e do MF50 (n=270) a cada seis horas, corados com Hoechst 33342, e na citoplasmática, avaliou-se a distribuição mitocondrial do TC (n=197) e do MF50 (n=159) a cada 12 horas, corados com Mitotracker Orange (Life® Technologies). Às seis horas, oócitos do TC (19%) se encontravam em MI (metáfase I), enquanto no MF50 estavam em VG (vesícula germinativa) ou QVG (quebra VG), repetindo com 12 horas. Às 18 horas, 46,3% estavam maturados no TC, e 20% no MF50. Com 24 horas, verificaram-se 43,9% de maturação no grupo MF50, e 63,8% no TC. Às 30 e 36 horas, o padrão de maturação foi estável, mas com início de degeneração oócitária. Houve retardo na maturação citoplasmática com 36 horas (P<0,05) no MF50 (53,9% de gametas maduros), comparado ao TC (69,8%). Com citoplasma imaturo, foram 10,4% e 31,7% para TC e MF50 (P<0,05), respectivamente. Conclui-se que o fulerol possivelmente interferiu na expansão das células do cumulus oophorus, bem como retardou a progressão meiótica e a maturação citoplasmática dos oócitos.

Retrospectiva dos principais biomarcadores envolvidos no desenvolvimento folicular e oocitário em mamíferos / Retrospective of the main biomarkers involved in follicular and oocyte development in mammals

A análise da expressão das diversas proteínas relacionadas a foliculogênese e oogênese in vivo e in vitro, através da proteômica, tem demonstrado possíveis biomarcadores celulares. A descoberta desses biomarcadores pode ajudar na elucidação de mecanismos complexos como a foliculogênese (entendimento sobre o crescimento folicular e maturação oocitária), no tratamento de doenças relacionadas a infertilidade feminina, bem como, no aprimoramento de biotécnicas reprodutivas como a manipulação de oócitos inclusos em folículos pré-antrais. Desta forma, a presente revisão abordou as principais proteínas relatadas nos mais novos trabalhos referentes aos estudos proteômicos visando melhores esclarecimentos referentes ao desenvolvimento folicular e oocitário in vivo e in vitro. A escolha dos artigos foi realizada com base nas descobertas mais atuais e do impacto que determinadas proteínas poderiam trazer para melhorar o entendimento da foliculogênese e oogênese nas diferentes espécies de animais mamíferos.(AU)

The analysis of the expression of several proteins related to folliculogenesis and oogenesis in vivo and in vitro, through proteomics, has demonstrated possible cellular biomarkers. The discovery of these biomarkers may help in the elucidation of complex mechanisms such as folliculogenesis (understanding of follicular growth and oocyte maturation), in the treatment of diseases related to female infertility, as well as in the improvement of reproductive biotechniques such as the manipulation of oocytes enclosed in preantral follicles. Thus, the present review addressed the main proteins reported in the newest works related to proteomic studies aiming at better clarifications regarding follicular and oocyte development in vivo and in vitro. The choice of articles was based on the most current discoveries and the impact that certain proteins could bring to improve the understanding of folliculogenesis and oogenesis in different species of mammalian animals.(AU)

Effect of different gonadotropins on in vitro maturation of sheep oocytes / Efeito de diferentes gonadotrofinas na maturação in vitro de oócitos ovinos

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of replacing the use of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the in vitro maturation (IVM) of sheep oocytes. After sheep ovaries were collected (n=300), the cumulus-oocyte complexes were aspirated, selected, and divided into four groups according to the IVM medium: CON group, in which the basic IVM medium was used; and eCG, hCG, and FSH groups, in which the oocytes were immersed in basic IVM medium with 10 IU/mL eCG, 10 IU/mL hCG, and 10 µg/mL FSH-p, respectively. In vitro maturation of the oocytes was performed at 38.5 °C, in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air, for 24 h. Subsequently, the oocytes were evaluated for the degree of cumulus-cell expansion, chromatin configuration, GSH levels, and active mitochondria. There were no significant differences for the rate of cumulus cell expansion. The percentage of oocytes in MII was higher in the eCG group than in the CON and hCG groups (P<0.05) and similar to that of the FSH group. In conclusion, eCG can be used as a substitute for FSH in IVM of sheep oocytes.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) e da gonadotrofina coriônica humana (hCG), em substituição ao uso de hormônio folículo estimulante (FSH) na maturação in vitro (MIV) de oócitos ovinos. Após a coleta de ovários (n=300) ovinos, os complexos cúmulus-oócitos (CCOs) foram aspirados, selecionados e divididos em quatro grupos de acordo com o meio de MIV: grupo CON, em que foi utilizado o meio MIV base; e grupos ECG, HCG e FSH, em que os oócitos foram imersos em meio MIV base adicionado de 10 UI/mL de eCG, 10 UI/mL de hCG e 10 µg/mL de FSH-p, respectivamente. A MIV dos oócitos foi realizada a 38,5°C, em atmosfera umidificada de 5% de CO2 em ar, durante 24 horas. Posteriormente, os oócitos foram avaliados, quanto grau de expansão das células do cumulus, configuração da cromatina, níveis de GSH e mitocôndrias ativas. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas com relação à taxa de expansão de células do cumulus. A percentagem de oócitos em MII foi maior no grupo ECG do que no grupo CON e HCG (P<0,05) e semelhante ao grupo FSH. Em conclusão, a eCG pode ser utilizada em substituição ao FSH na MIV de oócitos ovinos.

Effects of different stimulators of cGMP synthesis on lipid content in bovine oocytes matured in vitro

Bovine oocytes and blastocysts produced in vitro are frequently of lower quality and less cryotolerant than those produced in vivo, and greater accumulation of lipids in the cytoplasm has been pointed out as one of the reasons. In human adipocytes cGMP signaling through the activation of PKG appears to be involved in lipid metabolism, and components of this pathway have been detected in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of this pathway on the lipid content in oocytes and expression of PLIN2 (a lipid metabolism-related gene) in cumulus cells. COCs were matured in vitro for 24 h with different stimulators of cGMP synthesis. The activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) by Protoporphyrin IX reduced lipid content (22.7 FI) compared to control oocytes (36.45 FI; P <0.05). Stimulation of membrane guanylyl cyclase (mGC) with natriuretic peptides precursors A and C (NPPA and NPPC) had no effect (36.5 FI; P>0.05). When the PKG inhibitor KT5823 was associated with Protoporphyrin IX, its effect was reversed and lipid contents increased (52.71 FI; P<0.05). None of the stimulators of cGMP synthesis affected the expression of PLIN2 in cumulus cells. In conclusion, stimulation of sGC for cGMP synthesis promotes lipolytic activities in bovine oocytes matured in vitro and such effect is mediated by PKG. However, such effect may vary depending on the stimulus received and/or which synthesis enzyme was activated, as stimulation of mGC had no effects.(AU)

Effectiveness of near-infrared spectroscopy as a non-invasive tool to discriminate spectral profiles of in vitro cultured oocytes from goats

Here, we aimed to discriminate between the spectral profiles of spent culture media after oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) and culture (IVC) from goats of different ages subjected to repeated hormonal treatments. The profiles were discriminated using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate methods. A total of 19 goats (young = 10; old = 9) were subjected to serial hormonal stimulation (HS) with gonadotropins. Cumulus oophorus complexes (COCs) were collected using laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) and subjected to IVM and parthenogenetic activation. The initial embryos were subjected to IVC. Spent culture media were collected after oocyte IVM and on day 2 of IVC and analyzed using NIR spectroscopy. NIR spectral data were interpreted through chemometric methods, such as principle component analysis (PCA) and partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The results of PCA analysis clearly showed a separation in the spectral profiles between the experimental groups (HS sessions; young and old animals) both after IVM and IVC. Overall, the main absorption bands were attributed to the C-H group second overtone, first overtone of O-H and N-H, and C-H combinations and may serve as molecular markers. On the other hand, the spectral data obtained using PLS-DA models provided a better classification of the groups. The results showed the possibility of discriminating young and old groups as well as the three HS sessions with high specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy using NIR spectra. Thus, the culture medium analysis using NIR spectroscopy combined with multivariate methods indicated the dissimilarities between the groups and provided an insight into the in vitro development of goat oocytes. This technique serves as an efficient, objective, rapid, and non-invasive method to discriminate spectral profiles.(AU)

Avaliação da técnica de vitrificação de ovários de camundongos da linhagem B6D2F1, pertencentes ao Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biomodelos - ICTB/Fiocruz-RJ / Evaluation of ovary vitrification technique from B6D2F1 strain belonging to the Institute of Biomodels Science and Technology ICTB / Fiocruz-RJ

Objetivou-se testar a vitrificação de ovários de camundongos do ICTB/Fiocruz. Inicialmente, fez-se coleta e maturação in vitro dos oócitos de ovários a fresco e vitrificados, bem como avaliação de estruturas no cultivo embrionário, pós-fertilização in vitro. Fêmeas B6D2F1 foram eutanasiadas para remoção dos ovários (n=60) e divididas em três grupos: grupo 1 (n=30 animais) - oócito de ovários vitrificados, maturados e fertilizados in vitro (120 fragmentos); grupo 2 (n=15) (controle 1) - oócitos coletados a fresco, maturados e fertilizados in vitro; e grupo 3 (n=15) (controle 2) - oócitos maturados in vivo e fertilizados in vitro. A técnica foi verificada no desenvolvimento embrionário in vitro, que foi avaliado pelo teste de qui-quadrado (BioStat 5.0). Recuperaram-se 123, 224 e 328 oócitos nos G1, G2 e G3, respectivamente. Observaram-se diferenças significativas nas taxas de clivagem às 24 horas (embriões ≥ 2 células) entre G1 (8%) e G2 (32%) (P<0,1) e G1 e G3 (49%) (P<0,05), mas não entre G2 e G3 (P>0,05). Para blastocistos, às 96 horas, os grupos G1, G2 e G3 apresentaram, respectivamente, 6%, 11% e 46%, diferindo significativamente entre eles (P<0,05). A vitrificação de ovários, a maturação oocitária e a fertilização in vitro são alternativas para a produção de embriões de camundongos in vitro.(AU)

This work aimed test ovarian vitrification of hybrid mouse from ICTB/Fiocruz. Protocol collection and oocyte in vitro maturation from fresh and vitrified ovaries was established and embryos were evaluated after fertilization. B6D2F1 females were euthanized for ovarian removal (n= 60) and divided into 3 groups: G1 (n= 30) - ovaries fragmented (n= 120), vitrified, matured and fertilized; G2 (n= 15) - in vitro fertilization of oocytes matured in vitro from fresh ovaries; G3 (n= 15) - ampulla region oocytes in vitro fertilizated. Viability was verified by thawing, oocyte in vitro maturation and fertilization. In vitro embryo development of each group was evaluated by Chi-square test (BioStat 5.0). 123, 224 and 328 oocytes were recovered from G1, G2 and G3, respectively. Significant differences were observed in cleavage rates at 24 hours (embryos with 2 cells or more) between G1 (8%) and G2 (32%) (P< 0.1) and G1 and G3 (49%) (P< 0.05) but not between G2 and G3 (P> 0.05). Blastocysts at 96 hours presented 6%, 11% and 46%, respectively for G1, G2 and G3, differing significantly (P< 0.05). Ovary vitrification, oocyte in vitro maturation and in vitro fertilization were available for the production of in vitro mouse embryos.(AU)

Maturação in vitro de oócitos de cutias (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler 1831) seguida de fertilização in vitro e ativação partenogenética / In vitro maturation of agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) oocytes followed by in vitro fertilization and parthenogenetic activation

O objetivo foi avaliar protocolos de maturação in vitro (MIV) para oócitos de cutias, seguida de fertilização in vitro (FIV) e ativação partenogenética (AP). Os oócitos imaturos (CCOs) foram obtidos por fatiamento do ovário, após OSH, e submetidos a três grupos: MAT - 16 (16 horas de maturação), MAT - 20 (20 horas de maturação) e MAT - 24 (24 horas de maturação), em incubadora de cultivo a 38,8°C, com atmosfera de 5% de CO2 e 95% de umidade relativa. A maturação foi analisada pela presença do primeiro corpúsculo polar. Em seguida, os CCOs maduros foram submetidos à FIV, com período de coincubação dos CCOs e dos espermatozoides de 15h, a 38,8ºC e 5% de CO2, e AP com ionomicina. Os grupos de MIV foram analisados utilizando-se o teste qui-quadrado e, nos experimentos de FIV e AP, foram analisadas a taxa de clivagem e a proporção de desenvolvimento embrionário. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando-se o programa SAS. Houve diferença significativa entre os grupos de maturação, tendo os grupos MAT - 20 e MAT - 24 apresentado maior porcentagem de oócitos maturados in vitro. As taxas de clivagem e de desenvolvimento embrionário foram de 8,6% e 2,9%, respectivamente, na FIV, e de 63,6% e 15,1%, na AP. Entretanto, nos dois casos, o embrião não passou do estágio de mórula.(AU)

The objective was to evaluate IVM protocols for agouti oocytes, followed by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and parthenogenetic activation (PA). The immature oocytes (CCOs) were obtained by slicing the ovary after OSH and submitted to three groups: MAT - 16 (16 hours maturation), MAT - 20 (20 hours maturation) and MAT - (24 hours maturation), in a culture incubator at 38.8°C, with an atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 95% relative humidity. The maturation was analyzed by the presence of the first polar corpuscle. Then, mature CCOs were submitted to IVF, with co-incubation period of CCOs and spermatozoa from 15h to 38.8°C and 5% of CO2, and PA with inomycin. The IVM groups were analyzed using the chi-square test and in the FIV and PA experiment the rate of cleavage and the rate of embryonic development were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS program. There was a significant difference between the maturation groups, and the MAT - 20 and MAT - 24 groups showed a higher percentage of matured oocytes in vitro. The rates of cleavage and embryonic development were 8.6% and 2.9%, respectively in FIV and 63.6% and 15.1% in PA. However, in both cases the embryo did not pass beyond the morula stage.(AU)

Avaliação da técnica de vitrificação de ovários de camundongos da linhagem B6D2F1, pertencentes ao Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biomodelos - ICTB/Fiocruz-RJ / Evaluation of ovary vitrification technique from B6D2F1 strain belonging to the Institute of Biomodels Science and Technology ICTB / Fiocruz-RJ

Objetivou-se testar a vitrificação de ovários de camundongos do ICTB/Fiocruz. Inicialmente, fez-se coleta e maturação in vitro dos oócitos de ovários a fresco e vitrificados, bem como avaliação de estruturas no cultivo embrionário, pós-fertilização in vitro. Fêmeas B6D2F1 foram eutanasiadas para remoção dos ovários (n=60) e divididas em três grupos: grupo 1 (n=30 animais) - oócito de ovários vitrificados, maturados e fertilizados in vitro (120 fragmentos); grupo 2 (n=15) (controle 1) - oócitos coletados a fresco, maturados e fertilizados in vitro; e grupo 3 (n=15) (controle 2) - oócitos maturados in vivo e fertilizados in vitro. A técnica foi verificada no desenvolvimento embrionário in vitro, que foi avaliado pelo teste de qui-quadrado (BioStat 5.0). Recuperaram-se 123, 224 e 328 oócitos nos G1, G2 e G3, respectivamente. Observaram-se diferenças significativas nas taxas de clivagem às 24 horas (embriões ≥ 2 células) entre G1 (8%) e G2 (32%) (P<0,1) e G1 e G3 (49%) (P<0,05), mas não entre G2 e G3 (P>0,05). Para blastocistos, às 96 horas, os grupos G1, G2 e G3 apresentaram, respectivamente, 6%, 11% e 46%, diferindo significativamente entre eles (P<0,05). A vitrificação de ovários, a maturação oocitária e a fertilização in vitro são alternativas para a produção de embriões de camundongos in vitro.(AU)

This work aimed test ovarian vitrification of hybrid mouse from ICTB/Fiocruz. Protocol collection and oocyte in vitro maturation from fresh and vitrified ovaries was established and embryos were evaluated after fertilization. B6D2F1 females were euthanized for ovarian removal (n= 60) and divided into 3 groups: G1 (n= 30) - ovaries fragmented (n= 120), vitrified, matured and fertilized; G2 (n= 15) - in vitro fertilization of oocytes matured in vitro from fresh ovaries; G3 (n= 15) - ampulla region oocytes in vitro fertilizated. Viability was verified by thawing, oocyte in vitro maturation and fertilization. In vitro embryo development of each group was evaluated by Chi-square test (BioStat 5.0). 123, 224 and 328 oocytes were recovered from G1, G2 and G3, respectively. Significant differences were observed in cleavage rates at 24 hours (embryos with 2 cells or more) between G1 (8%) and G2 (32%) (P< 0.1) and G1 and G3 (49%) (P< 0.05) but not between G2 and G3 (P> 0.05). Blastocysts at 96 hours presented 6%, 11% and 46%, respectively for G1, G2 and G3, differing significantly (P< 0.05). Ovary vitrification, oocyte in vitro maturation and in vitro fertilization were available for the production of in vitro mouse embryos.(AU)

Maturação in vitro de oócitos de cutias (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler 1831) seguida de fertilização in vitro e ativação partenogenética / In vitro maturation of agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) oocytes followed by in vitro fertilization and parthenogenetic activation

O objetivo foi avaliar protocolos de maturação in vitro (MIV) para oócitos de cutias, seguida de fertilização in vitro (FIV) e ativação partenogenética (AP). Os oócitos imaturos (CCOs) foram obtidos por fatiamento do ovário, após OSH, e submetidos a três grupos: MAT - 16 (16 horas de maturação), MAT - 20 (20 horas de maturação) e MAT - 24 (24 horas de maturação), em incubadora de cultivo a 38,8°C, com atmosfera de 5% de CO2 e 95% de umidade relativa. A maturação foi analisada pela presença do primeiro corpúsculo polar. Em seguida, os CCOs maduros foram submetidos à FIV, com período de coincubação dos CCOs e dos espermatozoides de 15h, a 38,8ºC e 5% de CO2, e AP com ionomicina. Os grupos de MIV foram analisados utilizando-se o teste qui-quadrado e, nos experimentos de FIV e AP, foram analisadas a taxa de clivagem e a proporção de desenvolvimento embrionário. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando-se o programa SAS. Houve diferença significativa entre os grupos de maturação, tendo os grupos MAT - 20 e MAT - 24 apresentado maior porcentagem de oócitos maturados in vitro. As taxas de clivagem e de desenvolvimento embrionário foram de 8,6% e 2,9%, respectivamente, na FIV, e de 63,6% e 15,1%, na AP. Entretanto, nos dois casos, o embrião não passou do estágio de mórula.(AU)

The objective was to evaluate IVM protocols for agouti oocytes, followed by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and parthenogenetic activation (PA). The immature oocytes (CCOs) were obtained by slicing the ovary after OSH and submitted to three groups: MAT - 16 (16 hours maturation), MAT - 20 (20 hours maturation) and MAT - (24 hours maturation), in a culture incubator at 38.8°C, with an atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 95% relative humidity. The maturation was analyzed by the presence of the first polar corpuscle. Then, mature CCOs were submitted to IVF, with co-incubation period of CCOs and spermatozoa from 15h to 38.8°C and 5% of CO2, and PA with inomycin. The IVM groups were analyzed using the chi-square test and in the FIV and PA experiment the rate of cleavage and the rate of embryonic development were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS program. There was a significant difference between the maturation groups, and the MAT - 20 and MAT - 24 groups showed a higher percentage of matured oocytes in vitro. The rates of cleavage and embryonic development were 8.6% and 2.9%, respectively in FIV and 63.6% and 15.1% in PA. However, in both cases the embryo did not pass beyond the morula stage.(AU)

Use of melatonin in the in vitro production of bovine embryos / Uso da melatonina na produção in vitro de embriões bovinos

We aimed to assess the effects of melatonin in the in vitro production of bovine embryos. Our experiment was conducted at the Laboratório de Reprodução Animal of the Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. The cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were distributed among treatments at concentrations of 0, 10-1, 10-3 and 10-5 µMol/L melatonin. Our experiment was further divided into two: the first was to assess the effect of different concentrations of melatonin (treatments) on the maturation rate of COCs, and the second was to assess the effects of melatonin treatments on the in vitro production of bovine embryos. The results from the first experiment demonstrated no significant difference between the in vitro maturation rate of the cultivated COCs in treatments with melatonin. In the second experiment, however, melatonin treatments yielded statistically higher cleavage, morula and blastocyst rates in the 10-5 µM group (52.9%, 52.9%, and 35.3%, respectively), and lower rates in the 10-1 µM group (19.5%, 19.5% and 7.8%, respectively), compared to the others. The control group (no melatonin) and the 10-3 µM group showed similar results. We concluded that supplementation of melatonin in the in vitro maturation medium resulted in no improvement in the oocyte maturation rate, but in the in vitro production of embryos at different concentrations, the 10-5 µM group displayed better results, but with no improvement in the variables (P < 0.05).

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da melatonina na produção in vitro de embriões bovinos. O experimento foi conduzido no Laboratório de Reprodução Animal da Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. Os complexos cumulus-oócitos (CCOs) foram distribuídos entre os tratamentos 0, 10-1, 10-3 e 10-5 µmol/L de melatonina. A avaliação foi dividida em dois experimentos, onde o primeiro avaliou o efeito dessas diferentes concentrações de melatonina (tratamentos) sobre a taxa de maturação dos CCOs e o segundo, o efeito desses tratamentos com melatonina sobre a produção in vitro de embriões bovinos. Os resultados no primeiro experimento demonstraram não haver diferença significativa na taxa de maturação in vitro dos CCOs cultivados no tratamento com melatonina. No entanto, o tratamento com melatonina no segundo experimento, as taxas de clivagens, mórulas e blastocistos, o grupo 10-5 µM foi estatisticamente superior (52,9%, 52,9% e 35,3%, respectivamente) e o grupo 10-1 µM inferior (19,5%, 19,5% e 7,8%, respectivamente) aos outros grupos. O grupo controle (sem melatonina) e o grupo 10-3 µM obtiveram resultados semelhantes. Concluiu-se que a suplementação da melatonina no meio de maturação in vitro não evidenciou melhoras na taxa de maturação dos oócitos, porém na produção in vitro de embriões em diferentes concentrações, o grupo 10-5 µM apresentou melhores resultados mesmo não havendo melhorias nas variáveis (P<0,05).

In vitro performance of Zebu (Bos indicus) and Taurus (Bos taurus) donor cow embryos / Desempenho de vacas doadoras zebuínas (Bos indicus) e taurinas (Bos taurus) na produção de embrião in vitro

In this study, the in vitro production of bovine embryos from zebu and taurine donors was compared. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were obtained from 167 Bos taurus and 161 Bos indicus donors by ovum pick-up. COCs were classified based on their morphological quality, matured in incubators for 22 to 24 h in maturation medium, and then fertilized for 18 to 22 h. The zygotes were transferred to the culture medium for seven days. The embryos were classified as morula (OM), initial blastocyst (BI), blastocyst (BL), and expanded blastocyst (BX), before being transferred to synchronized recipient cows. Pregnancy was diagnosed 30-45 days post-transfer. The Bos indicus donors had a higher oocyte yield (n = 2556) than Bos taurus donors (n = 1903) (P = 0.008). The COCs from zebu donors had a better morphological quality than those from taurine donors (n = 689 vs. 444 for grade 1 COC, P 0.05). The Bos indicus cows showed greater oocyte recovery, number of viable oocytes, and production of viable embryos than the Bos taurus cows.

O objetivo foi avaliar a produção in vitro de embriões bovinos a partir de doadoras zebuína e taurina. Os complexos cumulus oócitos (COC’s) foram obtidos de 167 doadoras Bos taurus e 161 Bos indicus, por meio de Ovum pick-up. Os COC’s foram classificados quanto à qualidade morfológica, maturados em incubadora por 22 a 24h em meio de maturação, e encaminhados à fertilização entre 18 e 22h. Os zigotos foram transferidos para meio de cultivo, onde permaneceram durante sete dias. Os embriões foram classificados em mórula (MO), blastocisto inicial (BI), blastocisto (BL) e blastocisto expandido (BX), envasados em palhetas contendo meio de cultivo, e inovulados em receptoras sincronizadas. Após 30 e 45 dias da inovulação, realizou-se o diagnóstico de gestação. Os animais Bos indicus apresentaram maior produção oocitária (n = 2556) em comparação aos Bos taurus (n = 1903) (P = 0,008). Os COCs das doadoras zebu apresentaram melhor qualidade morfológica do que das doadoras taurina (n = 689 vs. 444 para COCs grau I, P 0,05). Os animais Bos indicus apresentaram maior recuperação oocitária e maior número de oócitos viáveis em comparação às vacas Bos taurus, como também, maior produção de embriões viáveis.

Use of melatonin in the in vitro production of bovine embryos / Uso da melatonina na produção in vitro de embriões bovinos

We aimed to assess the effects of melatonin in the in vitro production of bovine embryos. Our experiment was conducted at the Laboratório de Reprodução Animal of the Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. The cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were distributed among treatments at concentrations of 0, 10-1, 10-3 and 10-5 µMol/L melatonin. Our experiment was further divided into two: the first was to assess the effect of different concentrations of melatonin (treatments) on the maturation rate of COCs, and the second was to assess the effects of melatonin treatments on the in vitro production of bovine embryos. The results from the first experiment demonstrated no significant difference between the in vitro maturation rate of the cultivated COCs in treatments with melatonin. In the second experiment, however, melatonin treatments yielded statistically higher cleavage, morula and blastocyst rates in the 10-5 µM group (52.9%, 52.9%, and 35.3%, respectively), and lower rates in the 10-1 µM group (19.5%, 19.5% and 7.8%, respectively), compared to the others. The control group (no melatonin) and the 10-3 µM group showed similar results. We concluded that supplementation of melatonin in the in vitro maturation medium resulted in no improvement in the oocyte maturation rate, but in the in vitro production of embryos at different concentrations, the 10-5 µM group displayed better results, but with no improvement in the variables (P < 0.05).(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da melatonina na produção in vitro de embriões bovinos. O experimento foi conduzido no Laboratório de Reprodução Animal da Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. Os complexos cumulus-oócitos (CCOs) foram distribuídos entre os tratamentos 0, 10-1, 10-3 e 10-5 µmol/L de melatonina. A avaliação foi dividida em dois experimentos, onde o primeiro avaliou o efeito dessas diferentes concentrações de melatonina (tratamentos) sobre a taxa de maturação dos CCOs e o segundo, o efeito desses tratamentos com melatonina sobre a produção in vitro de embriões bovinos. Os resultados no primeiro experimento demonstraram não haver diferença significativa na taxa de maturação in vitro dos CCOs cultivados no tratamento com melatonina. No entanto, o tratamento com melatonina no segundo experimento, as taxas de clivagens, mórulas e blastocistos, o grupo 10-5 µM foi estatisticamente superior (52,9%, 52,9% e 35,3%, respectivamente) e o grupo 10-1 µM inferior (19,5%, 19,5% e 7,8%, respectivamente) aos outros grupos. O grupo controle (sem melatonina) e o grupo 10-3 µM obtiveram resultados semelhantes. Concluiu-se que a suplementação da melatonina no meio de maturação in vitro não evidenciou melhoras na taxa de maturação dos oócitos, porém na produção in vitro de embriões em diferentes concentrações, o grupo 10-5 µM apresentou melhores resultados mesmo não havendo melhorias nas variáveis (P<0,05).(AU)

In vitro performance of Zebu (Bos indicus) and Taurus (Bos taurus) donor cow embryos / Desempenho de vacas doadoras zebuínas (Bos indicus) e taurinas (Bos taurus) na produção de embrião in vitro

In this study, the in vitro production of bovine embryos from zebu and taurine donors was compared. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were obtained from 167 Bos taurus and 161 Bos indicus donors by ovum pick-up. COCs were classified based on their morphological quality, matured in incubators for 22 to 24 h in maturation medium, and then fertilized for 18 to 22 h. The zygotes were transferred to the culture medium for seven days. The embryos were classified as morula (OM), initial blastocyst (BI), blastocyst (BL), and expanded blastocyst (BX), before being transferred to synchronized recipient cows. Pregnancy was diagnosed 30-45 days post-transfer. The Bos indicus donors had a higher oocyte yield (n = 2556) than Bos taurus donors (n = 1903) (P = 0.008). The COCs from zebu donors had a better morphological quality than those from taurine donors (n = 689 vs. 444 for grade 1 COC, P < 0.0001; n = 681 vs. 509 for grade 2 COC, P = 0.010, for zebu and taurine donors, respectively). There were differences in embryo production percentages obtained from OM (0.44% from zebu and 6.42% from taurine, P = 0.017), BL (14.18% from zebu and 3.74% from taurine, P < 0.0001), and BX (81.43% from zebu and 75.13% from taurine, P < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed for embryo production from BI and pregnancy rate (P > 0.05). The Bos indicus cows showed greater oocyte recovery, number of viable oocytes, and production of viable embryos than the Bos taurus cows.(AU)

O objetivo foi avaliar a produção in vitro de embriões bovinos a partir de doadoras zebuína e taurina. Os complexos cumulus oócitos (COCs) foram obtidos de 167 doadoras Bos taurus e 161 Bos indicus, por meio de Ovum pick-up. Os COCs foram classificados quanto à qualidade morfológica, maturados em incubadora por 22 a 24h em meio de maturação, e encaminhados à fertilização entre 18 e 22h. Os zigotos foram transferidos para meio de cultivo, onde permaneceram durante sete dias. Os embriões foram classificados em mórula (MO), blastocisto inicial (BI), blastocisto (BL) e blastocisto expandido (BX), envasados em palhetas contendo meio de cultivo, e inovulados em receptoras sincronizadas. Após 30 e 45 dias da inovulação, realizou-se o diagnóstico de gestação. Os animais Bos indicus apresentaram maior produção oocitária (n = 2556) em comparação aos Bos taurus (n = 1903) (P = 0,008). Os COCs das doadoras zebu apresentaram melhor qualidade morfológica do que das doadoras taurina (n = 689 vs. 444 para COCs grau I, P < 0,0001; n = 681 vs. 509 para COCs grau II, P = 0,010, para doadoras zebu e taurina, respectivamente). Quanto à produção de embriões, houve diferença nas porcentagens obtidas de MO (0,44% zebuínas e 6,42% taurinas, P = 0,017), BL (14,18% zebuínas e 3,74% taurinas, P < 0,0001) e BX (81,43% zebuínas e 75,13% taurinas, P < 0,0001). Não foi observado diferença para BI e taxa de prenhez (P > 0,05). Os animais Bos indicus apresentaram maior recuperação oocitária e maior número de oócitos viáveis em comparação às vacas Bos taurus, como também, maior produção de embriões viáveis.(AU)

Ultra-diluted Folliculinum 6 cH impairs ovine oocyte viability and maturation after in vitro culture

This study investigated the effect of Folliculinum 6 cH on the oocyte meiosis resumption and viability rates, progesterone production and mitochondrial activity after in vitro maturation of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in sheep. Sheep ovaries were collected at a local slaughterhouse and COCs were recovered by slicing technique. The selected COCs were maturated in TCM199 (Control treatment), or control medium supplemented with 0.05% ethanol (v/v) (the vehicle of the homeopathic preparation Ethanol treatment) or with Folliculinum 6 cH. After 24 h of in vitro maturation (IVM), oocytes were mechanically denuded and incubated with Hoechst 33342 and MitoTracker (0.5 μM) Orange CMTMRos for analysis of viability and chromatin configuration, and mitochondrial activity, respectively. The results showed that Folliculinum 6 cH addition increased oocyte degeneration and reduced meiotic resumption compared to the control (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the percentages meiotic resumption and oocyte maturation were lower in the Folliculinum 6 cH treatment compared to its vehicle (Ethanol treatment) (P < 0.05). On the other hand, when the treatments were compared, higher mitochondrial activity was observed in the Ethanol treatment (P < 0.05). In conclusion, contrary to its vehicle, the addition of Folliculinum 6 cH to the IVM medium promoted oocyte degeneration and affected negatively the mitochondrial distribution, impairing meiosis resumption.(AU)

Ultra-diluted Folliculinum 6 cH impairs ovine oocyte viability and maturation after in vitro culture

This study investigated the effect of Folliculinum 6 cH on the oocyte meiosis resumption and viability rates, progesterone production and mitochondrial activity after in vitro maturation of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in sheep. Sheep ovaries were collected at a local slaughterhouse and COCs were recovered by slicing technique. The selected COCs were maturated in TCM199 (Control treatment), or control medium supplemented with 0.05% ethanol (v/v) (the vehicle of the homeopathic preparation – Ethanol treatment) or with Folliculinum 6 cH. After 24 h of in vitro maturation (IVM), oocytes were mechanically denuded and incubated with Hoechst 33342 and MitoTracker (0.5 μM) Orange CMTMRos for analysis of viability and chromatin configuration, and mitochondrial activity, respectively. The results showed that Folliculinum 6 cH addition increased oocyte degeneration and reduced meiotic resumption compared to the control (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the percentages meiotic resumption and oocyte maturation were lower in the Folliculinum 6 cH treatment compared to its vehicle (Ethanol treatment) (P < 0.05). On the other hand, when the treatments were compared, higher mitochondrial activity was observed in the Ethanol treatment (P < 0.05). In conclusion, contrary to its vehicle, the addition of Folliculinum 6 cH to the IVM medium promoted oocyte degeneration and affected negatively the mitochondrial distribution, impairing meiosis resumption.

Taxas de maturação de oócitos congelados lentamente de caprinos / Slowly frozen caprine oocyte maturation rate

The objective was to evaluate the maturation rates of goat oocytes submitted to slow freezing in conventional medium for IVM. For this purpose, cumulus-oocyte complexes aspirated from pubic goat ovaries were classified morphologically and slowly frozen with 1.5 M ethylene glycol. After thawing the cryopreserved oocytes, those classified as viable were matured in conventional in vitro maturation medium. Evaluating the maturation rate, the percentage of matured oocytes in the group that underwent the cryopreservation process is significantly lower (17.6%) when compared to the control group (69.2%), also showing a high percentage of immature oocytes. Several oocyte injuries were found, caused by the studied cryopreservation method, interfering with their oocyte competence. Even with nuclear maturation rates, observed through the extrusion of the first polar corpuscle, the morphologies were altered in most oocytes, and further studies using new techniques and / or other cryoprotectants are necessary.(AU)

Taxas de maturação de oócitos congelados lentamente de caprinos / Slowly frozen caprine oocyte maturation rate

The objective was to evaluate the maturation rates of goat oocytes submitted to slow freezing in conventional medium for IVM. For this purpose, cumulus-oocyte complexes aspirated from pubic goat ovaries were classified morphologically and slowly frozen with 1.5 M ethylene glycol. After thawing the cryopreserved oocytes, those classified as viable were matured in conventional in vitro maturation medium. Evaluating the maturation rate, the percentage of matured oocytes in the group that underwent the cryopreservation process is significantly lower (17.6%) when compared to the control group (69.2%), also showing a high percentage of immature oocytes. Several oocyte injuries were found, caused by the studied cryopreservation method, interfering with their oocyte competence. Even with nuclear maturation rates, observed through the extrusion of the first polar corpuscle, the morphologies were altered in most oocytes, and further studies using new techniques and / or other cryoprotectants are necessary.

Efeitos da suplementação do meio com diferentes antioxidantes durante a maturação in vitro de oócitos de bovinos sobre o status oxidativo / Effects of medium supplementation with different antioxidants during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes on oxidative status

Although widely used as reproductive biotechnology in cattle, in vitro embryo production (IVEP) has variable efficiency. During in vitro maturation (IVM), supplementing the medium with antioxidant potential could be an affordable alternative to increase the efficiency of IVEP, requiring the evaluation of new components, such as eugenol, β-caryophyllene, and acetyl eugenol. Thus, bovine oocytes were matured according to different antioxidants. Metaphase II oocytes were identified by Hoechst staining. The oxidative status was measured by evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glutathione (GSH). After eight repetitions, no difference was observed among groups containing antioxidants, being all these groups superior to negative control (p<0.05). The ROS levels decreased and GSH increased in oocytes matured with EUG (p<0.05). These results indicate apositive effect of eugenol on the oxidative status of oocytes matured with this compound, showing that eugenol can be an efficient supplement in the IVM of bovine oocytes.(AU)

Efeitos da suplementação do meio com diferentes antioxidantes durante a maturação in vitro de oócitos de bovinos sobre o status oxidativo / Effects of medium supplementation with different antioxidants during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes on oxidative status

Although widely used as reproductive biotechnology in cattle, in vitro embryo production (IVEP) has variable efficiency. During in vitro maturation (IVM), supplementing the medium with antioxidant potential could be an affordable alternative to increase the efficiency of IVEP, requiring the evaluation of new components, such as eugenol, β-caryophyllene, and acetyl eugenol. Thus, bovine oocytes were matured according to different antioxidants. Metaphase II oocytes were identified by Hoechst staining. The oxidative status was measured by evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glutathione (GSH). After eight repetitions, no difference was observed among groups containing antioxidants, being all these groups superior to negative control (p<0.05). The ROS levels decreased and GSH increased in oocytes matured with EUG (p<0.05). These results indicate apositive effect of eugenol on the oxidative status of oocytes matured with this compound, showing that eugenol can be an efficient supplement in the IVM of bovine oocytes.

Maturação in vitro de oócitos bovinos é negativamente afetada por CHIR99021, inibidor específico de GSK3 / In vitro maturation of bovine oocytes is negatively affected by CHIR99021, a specific inhibitor of GSK3

A enzima glicogênio sintase quinase-3 (GSK3) atua em várias vias de sinalização pela fosforilação e desfosforilação de proteínas, participando de várias funções celulares. Poucos estudos descrevem sua participação na maturação in vitro (MIV) de oócitos bovinos, mas sabe-se que sua inibição inespecífica tem um impacto negativo nesse processo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de CHIR99021, inibidor específico da GSK3, em diferentes aspectos da MIV de complexos de cumulusoócito (CCOs) bovino e seu impacto na produção in vitro. Os CCOs foram aspirados de ovários de vacas abatidas e maturados em meio suplementado com 0; 1,5; 3,0 e 6,0 μM de CHIR99021. A análise estatística dos resultados por regressão linear (p≤0,01) mostrou que após 22 h de MIV, o tratamento causou redução dose-dependente no grau de expansão das células cumulus; na viabilidade de oócitos avaliada por coloração com calceína-AM e iodeto de propídio; nas taxas de maturação nuclear, e migração de grânulos corticais avaliadas por marcação com orceína acética a 2% e com lectina Lens culinaris-FITC (LCA), respectivamente, além de uma redução na produção de blastocistos. Assim, conclui-se que o CHIR99021 interfere negativamente, de forma dose-dependente na MIV de oócitos bovinos, sugerindo a importância da GSK3 na maturação nuclear e citoplasmática, com consequente impacto para a produção in vitro de embriões bovinos.

The enzyme glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) acts in several signaling pathway through phosphorylation and protein dephosphorylation, participating in various cellular functions. Few studies describe its participation in the in vitro maturation (IVM) of bovine oocytes, but its nonspecific inhibition is known to have a negative impact on this process. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of CHIR99021, specific inhibition of GSK3, on different aspects of the in vitro maturation of bovine cumulus-oocyte (COCs) complexes. COCs were aspirated from ovaries of slaughtered cows and matured in medium supplemented with0; 1.5; 3.0 and 6.0 μM CHIR99021. Statistical analysis of the results by linear regression (p≤0.01) showed that after 22 hours of IVM the treatment caused dose-dependent reduction in the degree of cumulus cell expansion; oocyte viability evaluated by staining with calcein-AM and propidium iodide; rates of nuclear maturation and migration of cortical granules evaluated by labeling with 2% acetic orcein and Lens culinaris-FITC (LCA), respectively; and a reduction in the of blastocyst rate. It is concluded that CHIR99021 interferes negatively, in a dose-dependent manner in the IVM of bovine oocytes, suggesting the importance of GSK3 in nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, with a consequent impact on the in vitro bovine embryos production.