DNA fragmentation of equine cumulus cells from Cumulus-Oocyte complexes submitted to vitrification and its relationship to the developmental competence of the oocyte.
Abstract: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of vitrification on the DNA fragmentation rate of equine cumulus cells and to assess its relationship to oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) after vitrification. Cumulus cells (CC) from 14 mares were recovered from COCs, previously submitted to vitrification (VIT) and IVM. The DNA fragmentation rate of the cumulus cells (CC-DF) was assessed using a chromatin dispersion test. CC-DF rates between vitrified and control COCs were statistically compared by Student's t-test. The rates of CC-DF from control COCs were lower than in vitrified COCs. The percentage of CC-DF was not significantly different (p > .05) between groups of COCs able to reach metaphase II (MII > 0) and those in which oocyte maturation was not achieved (MII = 0). In conclusion, vitrification has a deleterious effect on the DNA fragmentation of equine cumulus cells; however, this parameter cannot be used as a predictor for IVM success after COCs vitrification.
© 2022 The Authors. Reproduction in Domestic Animals published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.
Publication Date: 2022-07-08 PubMed ID: 35770452PubMed Central: PMC9795872DOI: 10.1111/rda.14197Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research studied the impact of a freezing process called vitrification on the DNA damage rate in horse cumulus cells and how this damage might affect the success of in vitro egg maturation. The study found that vitrification increases DNA damage but it does not necessarily hinder the success of in vitro egg maturation.
Methods of the Investigation
The study focused on the following points:
- Cumulus cells obtained from 14 horses were analyzed, these cells were part of Cumulus-Oocyte complexes (COCs), which are clusters of cells that surround an egg in the ovaries.
- These COCs underwent a process known as vitrification, which is a type of freezing that can be used to preserve eggs or embryos for potential future use in assisted reproductive practices.
- In vitro maturation (IVM) is a technique that allows eggs to be matured outside the body, in a laboratory setting. This process was applied to the COCs after they had been vitrified.
- The DNA fragmentation rate of the cumulus cells, meaning the measure of DNA damage, was then measured using a technique called a chromatin dispersion test.
- This rate was compared statistically between the cumulus cells that were vitrified and a control group of cumulus cells.
Key Findings of the Study
The research led to several important discoveries:
- The DNA fragmentation rates were higher in the vitrified COCs compared to the control group, indicating that the vitrification process causes an increased level of DNA damage.
- The likelihood of achieving successful oocyte maturation did not significantly differ between groups with different levels of DNA fragmentation. In other words, the success of IVM was not necessarily affected by the rates of DNA damage.
- Despite the increased DNA damage caused by vitrification, this factor could not be used as a reliable predictor of successful IVM after the COCs have undergone vitrification.
This study underlines the importance of further research to identify parameter(s) that could accurately predict the successful maturation of eggs after vitrification process.
Cite This Article
APA
Ortiz I, Dorado J, Pereira B, Diaz-Jimenez M, Consuegra C, Gosalvez J, Hidalgo M.
(2022).
DNA fragmentation of equine cumulus cells from Cumulus-Oocyte complexes submitted to vitrification and its relationship to the developmental competence of the oocyte.
Reprod Domest Anim, 57 Suppl 5(Suppl 5), 64-67.
https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.14197 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Reproduction Group, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Reproduction Group, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Reproduction Group, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Reproduction Group, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Reproduction Group, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.
- Department of Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Reproduction Group, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Chromatin
- Cryopreservation / veterinary
- Cumulus Cells
- DNA Fragmentation
- Female
- Horses
- In Vitro Oocyte Maturation Techniques / veterinary
- Oocytes
- Vitrification
Grant Funding
- Ministerio de Economu00eda y Competitividad
- DOC_00399 / European Social Fund 2014-2020
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
References
This article includes 14 references
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Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Yurchuk T, Likszo P, Witek K, Petrushko M, Skarzynski DJ. New Approach to the Cryopreservation of GV Oocytes and Cumulus Cells through the Lens of Preserving the Intercellular Gap Junctions Based on the Bovine Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024 May 31;25(11).
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