What medium should be used for mouse sperm in vitro capacitation?5 answersThe ideal medium for mouse sperm in vitro capacitation should contain specific components to support the physiological process effectively. Research suggests that a medium containing bovine serum albumin (BSA), calcium (Ca2+), and bicarbonate (HCO3-) is crucial for capacitation to occur successfully. Additionally, the medium should also consider the necessity of molecules like rosmarinic acid to protect sperm from excessive reactive oxygen species during cryopreservation-recovery processes, optimizing sperm metabolism and enhancing fertilizing capacity. Furthermore, studies have shown that conditioned medium (CM) and secretome derived from epididymal epithelial cells can also be beneficial for sperm maturation, as they enhance sperm kinetics and tyrosine phosphorylation, potentially replacing the need for epithelial cells in certain analyses. By incorporating these components, a medium can effectively support the capacitation process of mouse sperm in vitro.
Do literature review on droplet microfluidics for sperm motility?5 answersDroplet microfluidics has been extensively studied in the field of sperm motility. It offers a platform for sorting and arranging sperm cells using various triggers such as mechanical factors, chemical agents, and temperature gradients. Droplet-based microfluidic systems have been widely used in biochemical and molecular biological assays, including genomics, proteomics, and cellomics. These systems allow manipulation of large amounts of data with absolute accuracy, providing advantages over conventional bioanalytical approaches. Droplet microfluidics has also been employed in designing high throughput devices for biomedical applications, such as diagnostics, drug delivery, and cell biology. The precise control and manipulation of droplets enable chemical reactions inside the droplets under defined conditions, making it suitable for sperm motility studies. Overall, droplet microfluidics has shown great potential in the field of sperm motility research, offering new insights and opportunities for analysis and manipulation of sperm cells.
Are there transcriptomics for pregnant mice?4 answersTranscriptomic analysis was conducted on pregnant mice in several studies. Li et al. performed spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA-seq assays to determine gene expression profiles at the embryo implantation site in the mouse uterus during pregnancy. Motomura et al. utilized systems biology approaches to investigate tissue-specific host responses to endotoxin in pregnant and non-pregnant mice. Paquette et al. characterized transcriptomic changes across gestation in maternal organs and placenta in pregnant mice. Chen et al. explored transcriptomic changes in the endometrium of pregnant mice following intrauterine infusion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Lerario et al. used RNA sequencing to define the transcriptome of the x-zone in the adrenal glands of post-pregnant and aged female mice. These studies provide insights into the transcriptomic changes that occur during pregnancy in various tissues and organs of mice.
What is in vitro fertilization?5 answersIn vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology that involves combining sperm and eggs outside the human body in a specialized environment for growth and development. It was originally developed to address infertility and has since become a widely available and accessible medical procedure. IVF has evolved over the years, with advancements in laboratory technology and clinical practice, making it efficient, safe, and relatively affordable. The success of IVF relies on the analysis of embryological components, such as trophectoderm, zona pellucida, blastocoel, and inner cell mass. The manual microscopic analysis of these components is time-consuming and requires expertise, but artificial intelligence and deep learning algorithms have been implemented to automate this process. IVF has resulted in the birth of over 8 million babies worldwide, and it is estimated that by 2100, 400 million individuals may be alive as a result of IVF and other fertility treatments. Ongoing research aims to improve the safety and long-term outcomes of IVF, including the prevention of genetic disorders and the reduction of multiple pregnancies.
How can microfluidics be used to improve IVF outcomes?3 answersMicrofluidics technology has been used to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes by enhancing various stages of the IVF process. It allows for the selection and analysis of high-quality motile sperm cells with non-damaged DNA, leading to greater success in insemination and enhanced pregnancy rates and live births in IVF and intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures. Microfluidics can also be used to handle gametes, culture embryos, and cryopreserve them, among other applications, thereby facilitating every step of the IVF process. Additionally, microfluidics technology offers opportunities to automate IVF procedures, reduce stress on gametes and embryos, and minimize operator-to-operator variability, making IVF more accessible and affordable for infertile couples. By utilizing microfluidics, IVF outcomes can be improved through the automation and optimization of various steps in the process, ultimately increasing the success rate of IVF procedures.
Can a study be in mice in vivo and in human cells in vitro?5 answersYes, a study can be conducted in mice in vivo and in human cells in vitro. For example, Karlsson et al. examined the effects of dapagliflozin on human islets in xeno-transplanted diabetic mice in vivo. They also treated human islets in vitro with dapagliflozin to measure insulin and glucagon secretion. Similarly, Tateno et al. used human hepatocytes in PXB-mice® to test them as a source of target cells for in vivo genotoxicity assays. They applied the comet assay and micronucleus assay to detect DNA damage and chromosomal aberrations, respectively. Additionally, Achour et al. cultured human neural stem cells (hNSCs) in vitro to assess the effect of luteolin on hNSCs fate determination. They also evaluated the effects of luteolin in an LPS-induced mice model of depression in vivo. Finally, Song et al. described methods for the generation of human hematopoiesis chimeric mice and evaluation of hematopoietic stem cell function in vivo.