Relationship between Different Pronuclear Patterns and Potential of Embryo Development and Pregnancy

Objective To explore the relationship between the patterns of pronucleus and embryo development and pregnancy potential in the pronuclear stageMethods According to the number and distribution of nucleolar precursor bodies, the embryos at pronuclear stage were classified into 6 pronuclear patterns from 0 to 5, 16 - 18 h after in vitro fertilization (IV F) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). For each, pattern, the subsequent embryonic morphology and the pregnancy rate were analyzed.Results Embryos of Pattern 0 developed to significantly more embryos with good quality and higher pregnancy potential than the embryos developing from other patterns (83. 14% and 76. 11% respectively, P<0. 05). The pregnancy rate was decreased as less embryos of Pattern 0 were transferred . The pregnancy rate of the groups of only Pattern 0, with Pattern 0, and without Pattern 0 were 48. 08% , 32. 14% and 21. 28% respectively (P<0. 05).Conclusions The pronuclear patterns are of the predictive value of embryo development and pregnancy potential, which can be used as a new tool for the selection of embryos in IVF and ICSI.

Anethole improves the developmental competence of porcine embryos by reducing oxidative stress via the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway

Background Anethole(AN)is an organic antioxidant compound with a benzene ring and is expected to have a positive impact on early embryogenesis in mammals.However,no study has examined the effect of AN on porcine embryonic development.Therefore,we investigated the effect of AN on the development of porcine embryos and the underlying mechanism.Results We cultured porcine in vitro-fertilized embryos in medium with AN(0,0.3,0.5,and 1 mg/mL)for 6 d.AN at 0.5 mg/mL significantly increased the blastocyst formation rate,trophectoderm cell number,and cellular survival rate compared to the control.AN-supplemented embryos exhibited significantly lower reactive oxygen species levels and higher glutathione levels than the control.Moreover,AN significantly improved the quantity of mitochondria and mitochondrial membrane potential,and increased the lipid droplet,fatty acid,and ATP levels.Interestingly,the levels of proteins and genes related to the sonic hedgehog(SHH)signaling pathway were significantly increased by AN.Conclusions These results revealed that AN improved the developmental competence of porcine preimplantation embryos by activating SHH signaling against oxidative stress and could be used for large-scale production of high-quality porcine embryos.

Transcriptome profiles of embryos before and after cleavage in Eriocheir sinensis:identification of developmental genes at the earliest stages

In crab, embryogenesis is a complicated developmental program marked by a series of critical events. RNA-Sequencing technology offers developmental biologists a way to identify many more developmental genes than ever before. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptomes of Eriocheir sinensis oosperms （Os） and embryos at the 2-4, cell stage （Cs）, which are separated by a cleavage event. Atotal of 18 923 unigenes were identified, and 403 genes matched with gene ontology （GO） terms related to developmental processes. In total, 432 differentially expressed genes （DEGs） were detected between the two stages. Nine DEGs were specifically expressed at only one stage. These DEGs may be relevant to stage-specific molecular events during development. A number of DEGs related to ＇hedgehog signaling pathway＇, ＇Wnt signaling pathway＇ ＇germplasm＇, ＇nervous system＇, ＇sensory perception＇ and ＇segment polarity＇ were identified as being up-regulated at the Cs stage. The results suggest that these embryonic developmental events begin before the early cleavage event in crabs, and that many of the genes expressed in the two transeriptomes might be maternal genes. Our study provides ample information for further research on the molecular mechanisms underlying crab development.

Observation on the Embryonic Development in Citrus after Cross Pollination

Embryonic development was studied in six cross combinations ofCitrus sinensis x C. tangerina, C. sinensis x C. reticulata, C. sinensis x (C. tangerina + C.reticulata), C. sinensis x Poncirus trifoliate, C.reticulata x C grandis and C. grandis xPoncirus trifoliate. The results showed that on the 30th day after pollination thezygote remained a single cell. On the 40th day, the zygote began to divide. On the50th day, zygotic embryo became globular-shaped while nucellar embryos had notinvaded the embryo sac. On the 55th day, a few nucellar embryos began to invadethe embryo sac. On the 60th day, the zygotic embryo became heart-shaped, and atthe same time, a large number of nucellar embryos invaded the embryo sac. On the80th day after pollination, the zygotic embryo was surrounded by nucellar embryosand it was not easy to distinguish these embryos. The cross combination affected thedevelopments of zygotic embryos, ovules and fruits, which were mainly determined bythe cross parents. As compared with interspecies crossing, the zygotic division ofintergenus crossing began later, the zygotic embryos developed slowlier and theinvading time of nucellar embryos was also delayed.

Alteration of ERβ gene Rsal polymorphism may contribute to reduced fertilization rate and embryonic developmental competence

This paper aims to determine the possible role of estrogen receptor-β （ERβ） gene Rsal polymorphism on sperm fertility and early embryonic development in humans. Three groups of Chinese men were recruited： in vitro fertilization （IVF） group, including 374 couples who underwent conventional IVF; intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI） group, including 294 couples who underwent an ICSI procedure using ejaculated sperm; and azoospermic group, consisting of 197 couples who underwent ICSI using either testis or epididymis sperm. Rsal polymorphism in the ERβ gene was detected by polymerase chain reaction （PCR）-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique; fertilization and high-quality embryo rates were evaluated for each group. In each group, no significant differences were found in the overall rates of fertilization and high-quality embryos among GG, AG and AA genotypes. However, the proportion of cycles possessing a satisfactory high-quality embryo rate with the AA genotype was significantly lower than that in the wild-type GG genotype from each group. These results demonstrated that sperm possessing the ERβ RsalA genotype may have reduced fertilization ability and decreased early embryonic developmental potential, which could directly or indirectly contribute to the low fertilization rate and early embryonic developmental arrest in some cases.

Effects of Bovine Embryos at Different Developmental Stages on Bisection Effect

[Objectives]This study was conducted to explore the effects of embryos at different developmental stages on the bisection effect of embryos,improve the efficiency of bovine embryo bisection,and facilitate the application of embryo bisection technology in cattle breeding.[Methods]The effects of two different bisection solutions on the bisection of morulae and blastocysts in vitro were explored.The morulae and blastocysts produced in vitro from cattle that developed to the 6th to 8th d were bisected by hands,and demi-embryos were cultured in vitro.Their development was observed.[Results]Morulae were bisected in PBS solution and PBS+0.2 mol/L sucrose,and the success rates of bisection were 50%and 95.2%,respectively.The success rate of bisecting morulae in PBS+0.2 mol/L sucrose was significantly higher than that in PBS(P<0.05),while the development rate of the bisected demi-embryos had no significant difference between the two(53.3%,52.4%)(P>0.05).The success rates of blastocyst bisection in PBS solution and PBS+0.2 mol/L sucrose were 51.6%and 95.1%,respectively.The success rate of blastocyst bisection in PBS+0.2 mol/L sucrose was significantly higher than that in PBS(P<0.05),while the development rate of the bisected demi-embryos had no significant difference between the two(50.0%,56.4%)(P>0.05).[Conclusions]There were no significant differences between the success rates of bisecting bovine morulae and blastocysts in PBS+0.2 mol/L sucrose,which were both significantly better than those in pure PBS bisection solution,proving that PBS+0.2 mol/L sucrose bisection solution is suitable for bovine embryo bisection.

Effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on post-vitrification mouse embryo development

Objective:To investigate the effects of coenzyme Q10(CoQ10)supplementation on post-vitrification embryo development and gross morphology.Methods:Balb/c mouse embryos were cultured in potassium simplex optimised medium(KSOM)with varying CoQ10 concentrations[0(control),20,40,and 60μM].The most effective CoQ10 concentration(40μM)was selected for subsequent post-vitrification morphology study.Embryos were randomly divided into four groups:Group A(non-vitrified without CoQ10),Group B(non-vitrified with CoQ10),Group C(vitrified without CoQ10),and Group D(vitrified with CoQ10),followed by vitrification at the 8-cell stage.Survival rates and development until the blastocyst stage were evaluated through morphological examinations using ASEBIR's system,distinguishing normal and abnormal embryos.Results:Supplementation of 40μM CoQ10 significantly increased blastocyst formation(95%)compared to the control group(92%),20μM(62%),and 60μM(56%)(P<0.001).Following vitrification,Group D exhibited a significant increase in blastocyst formation(92%)compared to Group C(82%)(P<0.05).Morphological assessments indicated superior embryo quality in Group B over Group D during the cleavage stage,morula,and blastocyst(P<0.05).Conclusions:CoQ10 supplementation exhibits promising potential to enhance preimplantation embryo development,increase blastocyst formation rates,and improve embryo quality post-vitrification.This offers a promising approach to mitigate oxidative stress on embryos,potentially improving overall assisted reproductive technology outcomes.

Enhancement of porcine in vitro embryonic development through luteolin‑mediated activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway

Background Oxidative stress,caused by an imbalance in the production and elimination of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS),has been recognized for its detrimental effects on mammalian embryonic development.Luteolin(Lut)has been documented for its protective effects against oxidative stress in various studies.However,its specific role in embryonic development remains unexplored.This study aims to investigate the influence of Lut on porcine embryonic development and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.Results After undergoing parthenogenetic activation(PA)or in vitro fertilization,embryos supplemented with 0.5μmol/L Lut displayed a significant enhancement in cleavage and blastocyst formation rates,with an increase in total cell numbers and a decrease in the apoptosis rate compared to the control.Measurements on D2 and D6 revealed that embryos with Lut supplementation had lower ROS levels and higher glutathione levels compared to the control.Moreover,Lut supplementation significantly augmented mitochondrial content and membrane potential.Intriguingly,activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway was observed in embryos supplemented with Lut,leading to the upregulation of antioxidant-related gene transcription levels.To further validate the relationship between the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway and effects of Lut in porcine embryonic development,we cultured PA embryos in a medium supplemented with brusatol,with or without the inclusion of Lut.The positive effects of Lut on developmental competence were negated by brusatol treatment.Conclusions Our findings indicate that Lut-mediated activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway contributes to the enhanced production of porcine embryos with high developmental competence,and offers insight into the mechanisms regulating early embryonic development.

In-vitro Developmental Potential of Single Blastomeres Derived from Day 3 Discarded Human Embryos

Objective To investigate whether isolated blastomeres of discarded human embryos could develop into blastocysts cultured in vitro without zona pellucida. Methods Total discarded 60 embryos, which were not suitable for transplanting or freezing, were collected from 21 patients. Of 60 embryos, 10, 8, 24, 12, and 4 embryos were at 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-cell stage, respectively. These embryos were split by 0.5% protease combined with mechanical method. The resulting single blastomere was cultured individually, evaluated daily and counted blastocyst development. Pluripotency of inner cell mass （ICM） of the blastocyst was analyzed by the expression of alkaline phosphatase（AKP）. Results A total of 229 single blastomeres were isolated from 60 embryos. Defining the day when the embryos were split as the first day （d 1）. The majority of the blastomere- derived embryos followed the normal pattern of development with compaction on d 3 and cavitationon d 4 and developed into small blastocysts on d 5. Rates of division, compaction, cavity and expansion of single blastomeres from 4-cell embryos were higher than those in other groups （P 〈O.05）, and AKP was expressed in ICM. Conclusion Some of the blastomeres from discarded human embryo are flexible and able to develop into blastocysts, the potential was related to their donor embryos closely. They seem to follow development pattern of their donor embryos. The blastomere- derived blastocysts have smaller size and fewer cells compared with regular in vitro cultured human embryos. However, AKP expression showed ICM cells with pluripotency. We believe that the value of single blastomere of discarded embryos will be further confirmed in the future.

Isolation of the Endophytic Fungi of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis and Their Effects on the Embryo Development of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis Seeds

[Objective] This study aimed to isolate the endophytic fungi of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis and investigate their effects on the embryo development of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis seeds. [Method] The endophytic fungi of P. polyphylla were isolated and identified morphologically, and their effects on the embryo development of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis seeds were studied by using paraffin sectioning and microphotography. [Result] Nine endophytic fungi, i.e. P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis endophytic fungi PPYEF-1, PPYEF-2, PPYEF-3, PPYEF-4, PPYEF-5, PPYEF-6, PPYEF-7, PPYEF-8 and PPYEF-9 belonging to seven genera in five families, three orders were isolated from the rhizomes. Except PPYEF-4 (Cladosporium sp.), other fungi could promote the embryo development of the P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis seeds, mostly reaching the extremely significant or significant level. PPYEF-9 (Trichoderma sp.) resulted in the highest embryo length and embryo-emerging ratio. [Conclusion] This paper could provide a reference for the application of the endophytic fungi of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis in the dormancy-breaking of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis seeds.

More than a simple egg:Underlying mechanisms of cold tolerance in avian embryos

Avian embryos,which develop within eggs,exhibit remarkable tolerance to extremely low temperatures.Despite being a common trait among all birds,the mechanisms underlying this cold tolerance in avian embryos remain largely unknown.To gain a better understanding of this phenomenon and the coping mechanisms involved,we reviewed the literature on severe cold tolerance in embryos of both wild and domestic birds.We found that embryos of different bird orders exhibit tolerance to severe cold during their development.In response to cold stress,embryos slow down their heartbeat rates and metabolism.In severe cold temperatures,embryos can suspend these processes,entering a torpid-like state of cardiac arrest.To compensate for these developmental delays,embryos extend their regular incubation periods.Depending on their embryonic age,embryos of all bird species can tolerate acute severe cold regimes;only a few tolerate chronic severe cold regimes.We also discussed various extrinsic and intrinsic factors that affect the tolerance of bird embryos to low temperatures before and after incubation.Cold tolerance appears to be a heritable trait shared by wild and domestic embryos of all bird classes,regardless of egg size or development(altricial/precocial).Driven by environmental variability,cold tolerance in avian embryos is an optimal physiological and ecological strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of cold conditions on their development in response to fluctuating environmental temperatures.

Research on the appropriate way to transfer exogenous substances into chicken embryos

In biological research, chicken embryos are a classic experimental model for the exploration of the embryonic development and cell differentiation. Transferring exogenous substances into chicken embryos for producing medical antibodies has been widely used in the production practice. However, there are few studies about the effect of the different injection site and dosage on chicken embryos. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of different injection sites and dosages on chicken embryo hatching rate and development, so as to provide a basis for further studies using the chicken embryo model. Freshly laid eggs （Rugao yellow chicken） were injected with different doses of saline at the tip, equatorial plane and the blunt end of the egg shell, respectively. Egg hatching rate was recorded and compared among injection sites and different doses. A trypan blue stain was also injected at the aforementioned sites and the growth of chicken embryos was observed. The SPSS （statistical package for the social science） software was used to analyze the relationship between the chicken eggs hatching rate and the different injection sites or the different dosages. The experimental results showed that there were significant differences on egg hatching rates among the different injection sites and doses （P〈0.05）. The hatchability of the blunt end injection group was significantly higher than that of the other two sites. The egg hatching rate decreased with increased saline doses. The egg hatching rate of the 100 pL saline injection group was higher than the 200 and 300 μL dosage groups. Ultimately, we suggest that the optimal chicken embryo injection process is during early development, at the blunt end site with a dose less than 100 μL to minimize damage to the egg.

Current and future therapies for abnormal early embryogenesis with assisted reproductive technology

Each stage of embryonic development,including normal gamete maturation,fertilization,zygotic genome activation,and cleavage,is crucial for human reproduction.Early embryo arrest is a common phenomenon.It is estimated that about 40%–70%of human embryos are arrested at early developmental stages.However,the exact mechanism remains largely uncertain.Embryos can be investigated in vitro by way of the development of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection.In addition to iatrogenic factors related to abnormal oocyte/embryo development,multiple gene mutations have been found to be involved in such phenotypes.Based on the knowledge of known etiological factors,several therapies are proposed to improve clinical outcomes.Here,we shed light on current and potential therapies for treating these conditions through reviewing articles and combining with our clinical and research experience.

Toxicity of Graphene Quantum Dots in Zebrafish Embryo

Objective To evaluate the bio-safety of graphene quantum dots （GQDs）, we studied its effects on the embryonic development of zebrafish. Methods In vivo, biodistribution and the developmental toxicity of GQDs were investigated in embryonic zebrafish at exposure concentrations ranging from 12.5-200μg/mL for 4-96 h post-fertilization （hpf）. The mortality, hatch rate, malformation, heart rate, GQDs uptake, spontaneous movement, and larval behavior were examined. Results The fluorescence of GQDs was mainly localized in the intestines and heart. As the exposure concentration increased, the hatch and heart rate decreased, accompanied by an increase in mortality. Exposure to a high level of GQDs （200μg/mL） resulted in various embryonic malformations including pericardial edema, vitelline cyst, bent spine, and bent tail. The spontaneous movement significantly decreased after exposure to GQDs at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200μg/mL. The larval behavior testing （visible light test） showed that the total swimming distance and speed decreased dose-dependently. Embryos exposed to 12.5 μg/mL showed hyperactivity while exposure to higher concentrations （25, 50, 100, and 200μg/mL） caused remarkable hypoactivity in the light-dark test. Conclusion Low concentrations of GODs were relatively non-toxic. However, GQDs disrupt the progression of embryonic development at concentrations exceeding 50 μg/mL.

Antibodies against the C-terminal peptide of rabbit oviductin inhibit mouse early embryo development to pass 2-cell stage

A full-length rabbit oviductin cDNA(1909bp) was cloned. It consists of a 5’-UTR of 52bp, an open reading frame (ORF) of 1374bp and a 3’-UTR of 483bp and has more than 80% homology with that of other mammal oviductins. N-terminal peptide (NTP) (384 residues) and C-terminal peptide (CTP) (73 residues) of deduced protein precursor has about 80% and 50% identity with that of other mammals respectively. Fusion proteins GST-NTP 368(1R-368N)and GST-CTP73 (369F-441A) were expressed and purified. NH2-terminal of CTP sequencing reveals that the purified protein is consistent with the deduced one. In order to study the function of NTP and CTP the mouse anti-NTP and rabbit anti-CTP antisera were prepared. Tissue-specific (skeleton muscle, oviduct, uterus, ovary, liver, heart and brain) analysis indicated that rabbit oviductin was only found in oviduct. The conditioned medium derived from the rabbit oviduct mucosa epithelial cells has a function of overcoming the early embryonic development block of Kunming mous e cultured in vitro. Anti-CTP antiserum could totally inhibit the early embryo development at 2-cell stage cultured in the conditioned culture medium, but anti-NTP antiserum couldn’t. There was a positive relationship between the ratio of early embryos at development block and the dosage of anti-CTP antiserum added in the conditioned culture medium. These results suggest that oviductin has a function not only on fertilization, but also on the release of early embryonic development block, and the later function domain of rabbit oviductin may be situate in its C-terminal.

Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is active in pancreatic development of rat embryo

AIM： To elucidate the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in pancreatic development of rat embryo. METHODS： The mRNAs of β-catenin, APC, cyclin D1 genes were amplified by means of semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RTPCR） from embryonic pancreas in different periods and normal pancreas of rat, respectively. Protein expression of these genes in embryonic pancreas of E14.5-E18.5 was examined by immunohistochemical method. RESULTS： In embryonic pancreas of E14.5, the transcript amplification of β-catenin and cyclinD1 genes was detected. In embryonic pancreas of E18.5, the transcription levels of β-catenin and cyclinD1 genes became much higher than in other periods. But in adult rat pancreas the transcription of cyclinD1 gene could not be observed. Only until E18.5, the transcript amplification of mRNA of APC gene could be detected. Surprisingly, the transcription level of APC gene became much higher in adult rat pancreas than in embryonic pancreas. By means of immunohistochemical staining, identical results were obtained to the above by RP-PCR, except for β-catenin protein in adult rat pancreas. CONCLUSION： Active Wnt/β-catenin signaling occurs in rat embryonic pancreas and is probably important for pancreatic development and organ formation.

Effects of salinity on embryonic and larval development of Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis(Decapoda: Brachyura) and salinity-induced physiological changes

To investigate the effects of salinity on early development of Chinese mitten crab ( Eriocheir sinensis ), and the salinity tolerance mechanism of embryos, different developmental stages of embryos (gastrula, eyespot and pre-hatching stage), and hatched stage I zoea and megalopa, were exposed to a range of salinities (1, 5, 10, 15 (control), 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40). Hatching, survival and molting were monitored. Effects of 24-hour hypersaline (35) and hyposaline (1) stress on egg diameter, water content, Na +/K +-ATPase (NKA) activity, and crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) gene mRNA expression in embryos and megalopa, are reported. Embryos are more tolerant of low (≤ 5) than high (≥25) salinities, with optimum ranges for gastrula and pre-hatching stage embryos being 5-20, and for eyespot embryo and stage I zoea, 10-20. Most megalopa can molt to the first juvenile instar by day 5 at salinities between 1 and 40, whereas molting of megalopa stages was delayed at 40. Hypersaline conditions resulted in a loss of moisture, reduction of egg volume, and a signifi cant increase in NKA activity and CHH mRNA expression at some developmental stages. Hyposaline conditions did not affect moisture content or egg volume, but resulted in decreased NKA activity and CHH mRNA expression in embryos. For megalopa stages, NKA activity was significantly upregulated following both hypo- and hypersaline stress. Our results suggest high salinity will inhibit development and hatching of E. sinensis embryos, and low salinity will affect the survival of their stage I zoea. Increased NKA activity in embryos and megalopa stages might indicate a hyporegulation response under hypersaline conditions. These findings provide useful information for spawning ground protection of indigenous E . sinensis and enrich the knowledge of embryonic tolerance mechanisms of hyperregulating crustaceans following osmotic stress.

Beneficial role of melatonin in protecting mammalian gametes and embryos from oxidative damage

Mammalian gametes and embryos are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress-induced damage, which is mainly caused by reactive oxygen species（ROS） originating from normal metabolism and/or the external environment. Several researchers have implicated the role of oxidative stress in the activation of apoptosis, causing peroxidative damage to sperms/oocytes and inducing embryo fragmentation, arrest, or demise. Melatonin is a tryptophan derivative that is known for its powerful free radical-scavenging activity and broad-spectrum antioxidant property. Numerous studies have shown that melatonin and its metabolic derivatives can sequentially detoxify ROS in an antioxidant cascade, and modulate various antioxidant enzymes via its receptors to prevent radical-mediated damage. The identification of melatonin receptors in cumulus/granulosa cells, oocytes, and epididymal tissues implies that melatonin has protective actions on gametes and embryos. Enriching the semen extender or culture medium with melatonin significantly benefits sperm characteristics, improves oocyte maturation potential and quality, and enhances the developmental competence of preimplantation embryos. Certainly, further comparative studies are needed to show the unique antioxidant role and the advantage of melatonin in this field. This review summarizes the harmful effects of ROS and the beneficial role of melatonin against oxidative damage of gametes and embryos.

Effect of using ascorbic acid and cysteamine supplementation onin-vitrodevelopment of buffalo embryos

Objective:To improvein vitro embryo production in buffalo by supplementation of L-ascorbic acid during maturation and development (experiment 1) and combination with another antioxidant as cysteamine (experiment 2).Methods:Two experiments were performed, the first one aimed to evaluate the different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100 μM) of L-ascorbic acid on embryo developmental rate of buffalo oocytes. The L-ascorbic acid was added to the maturation and culture media. In the second experiment, oocytes were cultured in media with two type of antioxidant (ascorbic acid + cysteamine) or ascorbic acid only.Results:There was a significant increase in cleavage rate at 25, 50 μM than 100 μM and control group. But, the blastocyst rate was higher at 50 μM ascorbic acid than other concentrations (0, 25, 100 μM). Supplementation of ascorbic acid and cysteamine to maturation and cultured media improved embryo development than ascorbic acid alone.Conclusions: Using of 50 μM L-ascorbic acid duringin vitro maturation and development improve the developmental competence of buffalo oocytes, this effect was increase with the presence of cysteamine.

Influence of Different Quality Sperm on Early Embryo Morphokinetic Parameters and Cleavage Patterns:A Retrospective Time-lapse Study

To investigate whether sperm with low concentration and motility can impact preimplantation embryos and to analyze how the effects present under a time-lapse incubation system,2905 oocytes were collected from 219 couples between January 2014 and December 2015.Patients were divided into three groups according to sperm quality.Morphokinetic parameters and six cleavage patterns in the initial three cleavages were evaluated using the Primo Vision system.Embryo quality and clinic outcomes such as implantation rate,pregnancy rate and live birth rate were measured.The results showed that the concentration and motility of sperm correlated strongly with the rate of 2PN embryos,good-quality embryos on D3,blastocysts on D5/6 and good quality embryos on D5/6.The time-lapse system recordings showed that compromised sperm quality could result in a significant delay in cc l and a decrease in cc2,and impact embryo developmental potential mainly through large fragments or/and blastomere fragmentation in the initial three cleavages.In conclusion,sperm with low concentration and motility can have paternal effects on preimplantation embryos.These paternal effects present both as changes in morphokinetic parameters and cleavage patterns,which occur as early as fertilization and may cause severe damage to the preimplantation embryos.