In vitro versus In vivo: Development-, Apoptosis-, and Implantation-Related Gene Expression in Mouse Blastocyst

Abstract

Background While mammalian embryos can adapt to their environments, their sensitivity overshadows their adaptability in suboptimal in vitro conditions. Therefore, the environment in which the gametes are fertilized or to which the embryo is exposed can greatly affect the quality of the embryo and consequently its implantation potential. Objectives Since providing an optimal culture condition needs a deep understanding of the environmental effects, and regarding the fact that normal morphology fails to be a reliable indicator of natural embryo development, the current study aimed at comparing in vivo - and in vitro -derived blastocysts at the molecular level. Materials and Methods In vivo and in vitro mouse blastocysts were obtained by flushing the uterine horns and in vitro fertilization/culture, respectively. Normal blastocysts of both groups were evaluated in terms of hatching rate and expression of three lineage-differentiation-, apoptosis-, and implantation-related genes. Results The hatching rate was lower in In vitro fertilization (IVF)-produced blastocysts in comparison with that of the in vivo counterparts. More importantly, the study results indicated significant changes in the expression levels of eight out of ten selected genes, especially Mmp-9 (about -10.7-fold). The expression of Mmp-9 in trophoblast cells is required for successful implantation and trophoblast invasion. Conclusions The current study, in addition to confirming that the altered gene expression pattern of in vitro -produced embryos resulted in normal morphology, provided a possible reason for lower implantation rate of in vitro -produced blastocysts regarding the Mmp-9 expression.

The regulation of trophoblast invasion and decidual reaction by matrix metalloproteinase‐2, metalloproteinase‐7, and metalloproteinase‐9 expressions in the rat endometrium

“…49 Moreover, in recent reports, through a reduced hatching rate and MMP-9 expression in in vitro culture condition has been linked to low implantation rate. [51][52][53] In rodents, the primary decidual zone consisted of the closely packed decidual cells with tight junctions, which has been considered as a barrier zone against the trophoblasts. 54 Moreover, since this area has collapsed blood vessels, this barrier should be removed gradually for the trophoblasts to reach the blood vessels and to form yolk sac placenta and chorioallantoic placenta at the anti-mesometrial and mesometrial pole, respectively.…”

“…The expression of MMP‐9 by trophoblast cells, as we also showed here, which possesses basement membrane‐degrading proteolytic activity, is required to facilitate successful implantation and endometrial invasion 49 . Moreover, in recent reports, through a reduced hatching rate and MMP‐9 expression in in vitro culture condition has been linked to low implantation rate 51‐53 …”

Urtica dioica agglutinin (a plant lectin) has a caspase-dependent apoptosis induction effect on the acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line

“…There are various mechanisms for apoptosis induction by lectins with anti-leukemic effects (15). Some studies have linked apoptosis to radiation (28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33) and genetics (34)(35)(36).…”

Tannin Reduces the Incidence of Polyspermic Penetration in Porcine Oocytes

“…Therefore, high-quality oocytes are essential for fertilization and preimplantation for embryo development. Nevertheless, the competence of embryo development was lower in the in vitro environment than in its in vivo counterparts after fertilization [ 5 ]. Polyspermy is one of the most commonly observed types of abnormal fertilization in mammalian oocytes.…”