Avaliação da aplicabilidade de polímeros sintéticos na vitrificação de tecido ovariano bovino / Evaluation of the applicability of synthetic polymers in the vitrification of bovine ovarian tissue

A preservação da fertilidade em pacientes com câncer objetiva assegurar a saúde reprodutiva. A criopreservação de tecido ovariano é a única técnica disponível para meninas pré-púberes e para casos em que o tratamento não pode ser adiado. A técnica de vitrificação está associada a uma melhor preservação de fragmentos do córtex ovariano quando comparada ao congelamento lento. Estudos preliminares demonstraram que a combinação de polímeros sintéticos na vitrificação preservou melhor o tecido e os folículos secundários no córtex de ovários de macacos, por serem miméticos às proteínas naturais responsáveis pela proteção conferida a alguns organismos durante o inverno. A técnica de vitrificação associada a polímeros sintéticos é uma alternativa promissora, mas ainda não está disponível um protocolo padrão que demonstre resultados consistentes. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a aplicabilidade de polímeros sintéticos na criopreservação por vitrificação de tecido ovariano bovino. Ovários bovinos foram obtidos a partir de animais abatidos para consumo em um abatedouro local. O córtex foi extraído e cortado em fragmentos. Os fragmentos foram divididos em três grupos (controle fresco, vitrificação com (CP) e sem (SP) adição de polímeros sintéticos). Os fragmentos de tecido de todos os grupos antes e após aquecimento foram fixados em paraformaldeído a 4%, corados com hematoxilina e eosina para avaliação de morfologia, contagem e observação do estágio folicular. Parte dos fragmentos tiveram seus folículos secundários isolados mecanicamente e cultivados em matriz de alginato até atingirem o estágio antral. Durante o cultivo, para análise de viabilidade, foram avaliados a sobrevida, crescimento e formação de antro folicular. Para avaliação da funcionalidade folicular, o meio de cultivo foi coletado para posterior dosagem de esteróides ovarianos. Então, os três grupos foram comparados estatisticamente. Os tecidos ovarianos vitrificados apresentaram uma morfologia com sinais de injúria, com espaços vazios e menos densos, além de exibirem uma menor porcentagem de folículos normais quando comparados ao tecido fresco (Fresco x CP p<0,0001; Fresco x SP p=0,0004). Contudo, não foi observada diferença entre os grupos vitrificados com e sem polímeros (CP x SP p = 0,7173). Os folículos que passaram pela vitrificação apresentaram uma sobrevida similar entre si e menor que o controle fresco (χ²(2) = 19,87; p< 0,0001). Todos os grupos avaliados foram semelhantes na taxa de formação de antro (χ²(1) = 0,6569; p< 0,4176). Em todos os grupos houve crescimento folicular durante o cultivo. No entanto, os folículos frescos e com adição de polímeros aumentaram de diâmetro durante todo o cultivo, ao passo que os folículos sem adição de polímeros cresceram apenas na primeira semana. No fim do cultivo, os folículos que passaram pelo processo de vitrificação produzem menos hormônios que os frescos (p < 0,05), mas sem diferença entre SP e CP. A partir desses resultados, é possível concluir que a combinação do uso de polímeros sintéticos na vitrificação de tecido ovariano é uma técnica promissora, que poderá proteger o desenvolvimento folicular, mas são necessários mais estudos que possam aperfeiçoar esse protocolo.

The preservation of fertility in cancer patients aims to ensure reproductive health. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is the only technique available for prepubescent girls and for cases where treatment cannot be delayed. The vitrification technique is associated with better preservation of ovarian cortex fragments when compared to slow freezing. Preliminary studies in the cortex of monkeys' ovaries have shown that the combination of synthetic polymers in vitrification is better to preserve the tissue and secondary follicles, as they are mimetic to the natural proteins responsible for the protection during the winter in some organisms. The vitrification technique associated with synthetic polymers is a promising alternative, but a standard protocol that demonstrates consistent results is not yet available. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the applicability of synthetic polymers in cryopreservation by vitrification of bovine ovarian tissue. Bovine ovaries were obtained at a local abattoir. The cortex was extracted and cut into fragments. The fragments were divided into three groups (fresh control, vitrification with (CP) and without (SP) addition of synthetic polymers). Tissue fragments from all groups before and after heating were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, stained with hematoxylin and eosin for morphology assessment, counting and observation of the follicular stage. Part of the fragments had their secondary follicles mechanically isolated and cultivated in alginate matrix until they reached the antral stage. During cultivation, for viability analysis, survival, growth and follicular antrum formation were evaluated. To evaluate the follicular functionality, the culture medium was collected for later measurement of ovarian steroids. The vitrified ovarian tissues presented a morphology with signs of injury, with empty and less dense spaces, in addition to showing a lower percentage of normal follicles when compared to fresh tissue (Fresh control x CP p< 0.0001). All groups evaluated were similar in the rate of antrum formation (χ²(1) = 0.6569; p< 0.4176). In all groups there was follicular growth during cultivation. However, fresh and polymer-added follicles increased in diameter throughout the cultivation, whereas follicles without polymer additions grew only in the first week. At the end of cultivation, the follicles that underwent the vitrification process produced less hormones than the fresh ones (p < 0.05), but there was no difference between SP and CP. From these results, it is possible to conclude that the combination of the use of synthetic polymers in the vitrification of ovarian tissue is a promising technique, which may protect follicular development, but further studies are needed to improve this protocol.

Survival rate of cryopreserved rat fat granuales after autologous transplantation / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To observe the fat particles survival situations in autologous transplantation under different conditions of low temperature.Methods Three sample groups of adult Wistar rats were injected with fresh autologous fat particles,which were stored under 80 ℃ for two months and under-196 ℃ for two months respectively,and the volume,parallel histological detection,glucose transport measurement,MTT experiments and other data were compared and analyzed one month and two months after the transplantation.Results One month after transplantation,graft survival rate was higher in Group injected fresh autologous fat particles than that of Group injected autologous fat particles stored under-80 ℃ and Group injected autologous fat particles stored under -196 ℃ (P＜0.05);Two months after transplantation,the differences among three groups had no statistical significance.Before the transplantation,the activity of autologous fat particles stored in -80 ℃ and-196 ℃ were 68.7％ and 62.5％ of fresh autologous fat particles,respectively,two months after cryopreservation.One month after the transplantation,we found that the activities of autologous fat particles were higher in fresh group than that of-196 ℃ and-80 ℃,There was no significant difference between the groups stored in-196 ℃ and-80 ℃.Two months after the transplantation,the activities of autologous fat particles were higher in fresh group than that of-196 ℃ and -80 ℃.Before transplantation,the particles of fat histology showed no significant difference among three groups.One month after transplantation,fat vacuoles and distinct inflammatory infiltration were observed in all three groups,with the group stored in-80 ℃ as the most serious affected.Two months after transplantation,fresh fat particles and Group stored in-196 ℃ showed large quantity of tightly packed intact fat cells,scattered around the central area in fat vacuoles,while Group stored in -80 ℃ still had a large quantity of fat vacuoles,but the fat vacuoles were obviously fused.Conclusions The fat stored at-80 ℃ and-196 ℃ could meet the needs of clinical use in the short time.The fat stored at-196 ℃ shows the best activity.The fat particles stored at-196 ℃ could be used to establish better blood circulation.The heaviest inflammatory reaction occurs in the graft zone one month after fat transplantation and the decrease of transplanted particle activity is the most obvious.

Investigation of cryoprotection on the viability of freeze dried probiotics

Aims: The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of various cryoprotective agents on the survival of freezedried probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Methodology and results: Investigation was done on the viability and stability of probiotics L. rhamnosus. The effect of different cryoprotective agents (namely, sodium chloride, sucrose, dextran, sorbitol, monosodium glutamate, glycerol, skim milk and skim milk with malt extract) with modified De-Man Rogosa Sharpe (MMRS) medium were examined. Commercial De-Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) medium was proved to be more expensive than the modified MRS medium with relatively low yield of probiotics L. rhamnosus. Significantly high viable counts were achieved with monosodium glutamate, skim milk and skim milk with malt extract, with optimum concentration at 0.3% w/v. There was a reduction in cell viability at concentration above 0.5% w/v, which could be attributed to cell shrinkage associated with osmotic pressure changes. The cells were found to be stable at room temperature (28 °C) for eight weeks. A significant growth of probiotics was produced from skim milk. Conclusions: Modified MRS medium with skim milk is suggested for the remarkable growth and yield of probiotic lactobacilli.

EVALUACIÓN DE ETILENGLICOL COMO CRIOPROTECTOR EN LA CRIOCONSERVACIÓN DE SEMEN DE BAGRE BLANCO (Sorubim cuspicaudus, PIMELODIDAE) / Evaluation of Ethylene Glycol as a Cryoprotectant in the Sperm Cryopreservation of Trans-Andean Shovelnose Catfish (Sorubim cuspicaudus, Pimelodidae)

Se evaluó el semen crioconservado de Sorubim cuspicaudus utilizando etilenglicol (ETG) a tres niveles de inclusión (5, 10, 15 %). Machos (n = 13) en fase de espermiación y hembras (n = 6) en maduración final se indujeron con 0,4 ml de Ovaprim®/Kg, después de 12 a 14 horas post-inducción se colectó el semen en viales Eppendorf de 2 ml de capacidad. Las diferentes soluciones crioprotectoras se prepararon con glucosa 6 % (p/v), leche en polvo descremada 5 % (pv) y agua destilada. El semen fue diluido en proporción 1:3 (semen:diluyente), empacado en macrotubos de 2,5 ml y congelado en vapores de nitrógeno líquido (NL) durante 30 minutos y luego almacenados en termos criogénicos sumergidos directamente en NL (- 196°C). El semen crioconservado fue descongelado en baño serológico a 35°C durante 90 segundos. La movilidad total, progresividad y velocidad espermática del semen fresco y descongelado se analizó con el software Sperm Class Analizer SCA® (Microptic SL, España). La fertilidad y eclosión se evaluó con 1,0-1,5 g de ovocitos en incubadoras experimentales de flujo ascendente de dos litros de capacidad. Se utilizó un diseño completamente aleatorizado. El semen fresco registró tasa de eclosión de 51,8°21 %, sin observarse diferencia significativa con la obtenida con el semen crioconservado con ETG 5 % (38,6 ° 13,9 %) (p> 0,05); mientras que ETG 15 % (9,6 ° 2,9 %) reportó la menor eclosión (p < 0,05). Los resultados sugieren que la solución crioprotectora compuesta por ETG 5 %, glucosa 6 % y leche en polvo 5 % es una alternativa viable para la crioconservación de semen de Sorubim cuspicaudus con fecundaciones similares al usar semen fresco.

The catfish Sorubim cuspicaudus cryopreservation semen was evaluated using three levels (5, 10, 15 %) of ethylene glycol (ETG). Males (n = 13) undergoing spermiation and in final maturation females (n = 6) were induced with 0.4 ml Ovaprim®/Kg, after 12 and 14 post-induction the semen was collected in 2 ml Eppendorf vials. The different cryoprotectants solutions were prepared with glucose 6 % (w/v) skimmed milk powder 5 % (w/v) and distilled water. The semen was diluted in ratio 1:3 (semen:extender), packed in macrotubes of 2.5 ml and frozen in liquid nitrogen (NL) vapor for 30 minutes, then the macrotubes were stored in cryogenic tanks submerged directly in NL (-196°C). The sperm were thawed in serological bath to 35°C for 90 seconds. The total motility, total progressivity and velocities in fresh and thawed semen were analyzed with the Sperm Class Analyzer software SCA® (Microptic SL, Spain). Fertility and hatching rates were assessed with 1.0-1.5 g of oocytes in experimental up flow incubators two liters, a completely randomized design was used. The hatching rate of fresh semen was 51,8°21 %, with no significant differences with semen cryopreserved with ETG 5 % (38.6 ° 13.9 %) (p> 0,05), while ETG 15 % (9.6 ° 2.9 %), recorded the lower hatching rate (p < 0.05). The results suggest that the cryoprotectant solution composed of ETG 5 %, glucose 6 % and powdered milk 5 % is a viable alternative for semen cryopreservation of the catfish Sorubim cuspicaudus.

Effects of various combinations of cryoprotectants and cooling speed on the survival and further development of mouse oocytes after vitrification / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to analyze efficacy of immature and mature mouse oocytes after vitrification and warming by applying various combinations of cryoprotectants (CPAs) and/or super-rapid cooling using slush nitrogen (SN2). METHODS: Four-week old ICR female mice were superovulated for GV- and MII-stage oocytes. Experimental groups were divided into two groups. Ethylene glycol (EG) only group: pre-equilibrated with 1.5 M EG for 2.5 minutes and then equilibrated with 5.5 M EG and 1.0 M sucrose for 20 seconds. EG+dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) group: pre-equilibrated with 1.3 M EG+1.1 M DMSO for 2.5 minutes and equilibrated with 2.7 M EG+2.1 M DMSO+0.5 M sucrose for 20 seconds. The oocytes were loaded onto grids and plunged into SN2 or liquid nitrogen (LN2). Stored oocytes were warmed by a five-step method, and then their survival, maturation, cleavage, and developmental rates were observed. RESULTS: The EG only and EG+DMSO groups showed no significant difference in survival of immature oocytes vitrified after warming. However, maturation and cleavage rates after conventional insemination were greater in the EG only group than in the EG+DMSO group. In mature oocytes, survival, cleavage, and blastocyst formation rates after warming showed no significant difference when EG only or EG+DMSO was applied. Furthermore, cleavage and blastocyst formation rates of MII oocytes vitrified using SN2 were increased in both the EG only and EG+DMSO groups. CONCLUSION: A combination of CPAs in oocyte cryopreservation could be formulated according to the oocyte stage. In addition, SN2 may improve the efficiency of vitrification by reducing cryoinjury.

Evaluation of different cryoprotective agents in maintenance of viability of Helicobacter pylori in stock culture media

Four different cryoprotective supplemented stock media were evaluated for maintaining better survival and recovery of H. pylori type strain NCTC 11637 at two different maintenance temperatures of -20°C and -80°C after one month preservation as frozen stocks. The spread plate colony count method was used to investigate the recovery rate of H. pylori from equally inoculated bacterial suspensions in differently prepared stock cultures. After the preservation of H. pylori for one month in different cryoprotectant-supplemented stock media, the recovery rates for -20°C obtained for stock cultures supplemented with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), polyethylene glycol (PEG), glycerol and glycerol+sucrose, as well as controls with and without human serum alone were 7.13, 6.97, 7.93, 7.99, 6.95 and 0.0 log CFU/ml, respectively. Maintenance of bacteria at -80°C gave statistically higher recovery rates compared to preservation at -20°C with the values of 8.55, 8.24, 8.59, 8.66, 8.01 and 0.0 log CFU/ml for these above mentioned stock cultures. The stock cultures supplemented with glycerol+sucrose and glycerol showed the highest recovery rates, 7.99 and 7.93 for -20°C vs. 8.66 and 8.59 for -80°C respectively, which were statistically different from the others. Our study revealed that H. pylori type strain NCTC 11637 could be better preserved at -80°C than -20°C. The best stock media which supported viability or culturability of bacteria were brain heart infusion broth (BHI)+glycerol+human serum and BHI+glycerol+sucrose+human serum, where the latter yielded the higher recovery rate.

Pulmonary artery perfusion with cold modified Low- Potassium Dextran solution reduces lung injury in combined aortic and mitral valve replacement / 中国医师杂志

Objective This study was to evaluate the protective effect of pulmonary perfusion with cold modified low- potassium dextran (LPD) solution on lung function after cardiopulmonary bypass in combined aortic and mitral valve replacement. Method Twenty-four consecutive adult patients with combined aortic and mitral valve disease were divided into a control group ( n =14) and a perfused group ( n = 10). Cold modified LPD solution was infused to the main pulmonary artery in the protective group. PaO_2/FiO_2 were monitored at six different time points; preoperation, 0 hour, 1 hours, 2 hours, 6 hours and 12 hours after the termination of CPB. Concentrations of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 in plasma were measured at four different time points; preoperation, 0 hour, 6 hours, and 12 hours after the termination of CPB. Result PaO_2/FiO_2 in the perfused group were increased more than that in the control group. The IL-6 and IL-10 increased in both groups after operations( P <0. 05). Patients of the perfused group showed significantly reduced IL-6 expression, compared with the control group ( P <0. 001), but the rising extents of IL-10 in the perfused group were higher than that in the control group ( P <0.001). Conclusion Pulmonary artery perfusion with cold modified LPD solution during cardiopulmonary bypass relieved lung injury in combined aortic and mitral valve replacement.