α-Ketoglutarate improves the development of vitrified-warmed bovine embryos by alleviating oxidative stress

ABSTRACT: The inherently low reproductive efficiency of cattle is a major constraint on the development of the cattle industry. Embryo vitrification and warming are of great significance for the utilization of embryo resources and the improvement of the reproductive efficiency of cattle, thereby supporting the propagation of elite breeds and biological breeding. Oxidative stress is a major factor reducing the survival rate and developmental competence of vitrified-warmed embryos. In a previous study in cattle, the antioxidant α-ketoglutarate (AKG) was found to promote oocyte maturation and early embryonic development in vitro by alleviating oxidative stress. However, whether AKG can effectively alleviate cryoinjury by reducing oxidative stress, therefore improving quality and development of vitrified-warmed blastocysts, remains unclear. In the current study, in vitro produced bovine embryos were produced and AKG was supplemented to vitrification-warming solutions to explore its effects on the quality and developmental efficiency of vitrified-warmed blastocysts. The results revealed that vitrification and thawing markedly increased oxidative stress and apoptosis levels, while decreasing the survival rate, hatching rate, mitochondrial activity, and the ratio of ICM/TE cells in blastocysts. Supplementation with 25 μM AKG effectively alleviated oxidative stress, apoptosis, and increased the survival rate, hatching rate, mitochondrial activity as well as the ratio of ICM/TE. Single-cell RNA sequencing also showed that AKG treatment induced significant alterations in pathways associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, mitochondrial function, and lipid metabolism in vitrified-warmed blastocysts. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that AKG improves the quality and developmental competence of vitrified-thawed bovine blastocysts by regulating oxidative stress. This study provides a theoretical basis for optimizing embryo vitrification-warming protocols, enhancing the utilization efficiency of vitrified embryos, and improving cattle reproductive performance.

ORGANISM(S): Bos taurus

PROVIDER: GSE342680 | GEO | 2026/08/11

REPOSITORIES: GEO