It is well-established that in vitro culture affects quality, gene expression, and epigenetic processes in bovine embryos and that trophectoderm cells are the most susceptible to abnormalities. These changes have been reported as the main factors responsible for losses observed after transfer of in vitro-produced embryos. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of an in vitro system on bovine embryo transcriptional profiles on D14 of development.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDNA methylation is an essential epigenetic mark for embryo development and can be susceptible to environment factors such as conditions. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of culture until Day (D) 14 of the development on the embryo size and DNA methylation pattern of the insulin-like growth factor ()-imprinted gene. To achieve this, we produced bovine embryos completely , completely , and until D7 and then up to D14.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Assist Reprod Genet
January 2014
Purpose: The aim of this study was to characterise the methylation pattern in a CpG island of the IGF2 gene in cumulus cells from 1-3 mm and ≥ 8.0 mm follicles and to evaluate the effects of in vitro maturation on this pattern.
Methods: Genomic DNA was treatment with sodium bisulphite.
Dietary rumen-protected fat rich in linoleic acid may affect the superovulatory response and embryo yield; however, its effects on in vivo embryo cryotolerance are unknown in zebu cattle. The present study evaluated the production and cryotolerance after freezing or vitrification of embryos from Nelore heifers supplemented with rumen-protected polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Forty heifers kept in pasture were randomly distributed into two groups according to the type of feed supplement (F, supplement with rumen-protected PUFA, predominantly linoleic; C, control fat-free supplement with additional corn).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe present study was designed to compare Day 14 bovine embryos that were produced entirely in vitro using the post-hatching development (PHD) system with in vivo-derived embryos without or with transient PHD culture from Day 7 to Day 14. Embryos on Day 14 were used for sex determination and gene expression analysis of PLAC8, KRT8, CD9, SLC2A1, SLC2A3, PGK1, HSF1, MNSOD, HSP70 and IFNT using real-time quantitative (q) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). First, Day 7 in vivo- and in vitro-produced embryos were subjected to the PHD system.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe objective of this study was to compare morphological characteristics, kinetics of development, and gene expression of male and female IVP embryos that were cultured until day (D)15 (fertilization = D0), using either phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or Milli-Q water (MQW) to dilute the agarose gel used for tunnel construction. On D11, embryos (n = 286) were placed in agarose gel tunnels diluted in PBS and MQW. Embryos were evaluated for morphology, and embryo size was recorded on D11, D12.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF