Investigating the impact of extracellular vesicle addition during IVM on the fertilization rate of equine oocytes following ICSI.

The efficacy of in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in equines is relatively limited compared to other species due to the lack of a reliable superovulation technique, limited availability of cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs), low in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) and fertilization rates. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are nanoparticles involved in intercellular signaling in the ovarian environment, have shown potential as supplements to improve oocyte development during IVM. This study tested the hypothesis that EVs from small (< 20 mm) ovarian follicles could enhance fertilization rates in mares.

The effect of resveratrol on the developmental competence of feline oocytes vitrified at the metaphase II stage.

The objective of this research was to assess the viability and developmental potential of feline oocytes following in vitro maturation (IVM), vitrification, and post-warming incubation with resveratrol. In the first experiment, warmed oocytes were incubated with 0.2 μM, 2 μM, or 20 μM resveratrol for 2 h.

Correction: Gabryś et al. Follicular Fluid-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Influence on In Vitro Maturation of Equine Oocyte: Impact on Cumulus Cell Viability, Expansion and Transcriptome. 2024, , 3262.

In the original publication [...

Follicular Fluid-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Influence on In Vitro Maturation of Equine Oocyte: Impact on Cumulus Cell Viability, Expansion and Transcriptome.

Cumulus cell (CC) expansion is pivotal for oocyte maturation, during which CCs release factors that initiate paracrine signaling within the follicular fluid (FF). The FF is abundant in extracellular vesicles (EVs) that facilitate intercellular communication. Although bovine and murine EVs can control cumulus expansion, these effects have not been observed in equines.