Analyses of apoptosis and DNA damage in bovine cumulus cells after in vitro maturation with different copper concentrations: consequences on early embryo development

ANCHORDOQUY J.P; G.A. MATTIOLI; J.M.ANCHORDOQUY; J.A. TESTA; D.E. ROSA; M.A. SIRINI; C.C. FURNUS

ZYGOTE

CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS

Lugar: Cambridge; Año: 2016 vol. 24 p. 869 - 879

0967-1994

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of copper (Cu) during in vitro maturation (IVM)on apoptosis and DNA integrity of cumulus cells (CC); and oocyte viability. Also, the role of CC inthe transport of Cu during IVM was evaluated on oocyte developmental capacity. Damage of DNAwas higher in CC matured without Cu (0 μg/dl Cu, P < 0.01) with respect to cells treated with Cu forcumulus?oocyte complexes (COCs) exposed to 0, 20, 40, or 60 μg/dl Cu). The percentage of apoptoticcells was higher in CC matured without Cu than in CC matured with Cu. Cumulus expansion andviability of CC did not show differences in COC treated with 0, 20, 40, or 60 μg/dl Cu during IVM. Afterin vitro fertilization (IVF), cleavage rates were higher in COC and DO + CC (denuded oocytes + CC)with or without Cu than in DO. Independently of CC presence (COC, DO + CC or DO) the blastocystrates were higher when 60 μg/dl Cu was added to IVM medium compared to medium alone. Theseresults indicate that Cu supplementation to IVM medium: (i) decreased DNA damage and apoptosis inCC; (ii) did not modify oocyte viability and cumulus expansion; and (iii) improved subsequent embryodevelopment up to blastocyst stage regardless of CC presence during IVM.