ABSTRACT
Oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) is a crucial process that determines subsequent in vitro embryo production. The present study investigated the effects of the antioxidant tris (2-carboxyethyl) phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP-HCL) on the in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes and in vitro developmental competence of fertilized embryos. Oocytes were matured in IVM medium based on four concentration groups of TCEP-HCL (0, 50, 100, and 200 µM) treatment. 100 µM TCEP-HCL treatment significantly increased the oocyte first polar body extrusion rate, monospermy rate and subsequent in vitro fertilized embryo developmental capacity (cleavage rate, blastocyst formation rate, and blastocyst total cell number) compared to those in the control group. Furthermore, 100 µM TCEP-HCL treatment significantly reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species, significantly increased glutathione levels and mitochondrial content compared to those in the control group. Moreover, 100 µM TCEP-HCL treatment significantly decreased the oocyte apoptosis, blastocyst apoptosis compared to that in the controls. In summary, these results indicate that 100 µM TCEP-HCL treatment improves the quality and developmental capacity of in vitro-fertilized embryos by decreasing oxidative stress in porcine oocytes.
