Feline Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells as a feeder layer for oocytes maturation and embryos culture in vitro

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Introduction Due to their capacity to release growth factors and cytokines, co-culture using mesenchymal stem cells has been considered a good alternative to promoting the maturation of the oocytes and the embryo's development quality in vitro in different mammalian species. In this regard, we investigated the effect of feline Wharton's jelly MSCs as feeders layer in oocyte maturation-consequently, the development of resulting embryos in co-culture. Methods Oocytes with dark cytoplasm and a few layers of cumulus cells were collected and subjected to in vitro maturation and embryo culture using commercial media with and without MSCs addition. The oocytes' nuclear maturation and the degree of cumulus expansion in different groups were assessed after 24 h; the development of the embryo was evaluated every 12 h until day eight. Results Although MSCs increased the proportion of cumulus cells oocytes exhibiting cumulus expansion, there were no significant differences in the percentage of matured oocytes (metaphase II) among the groups ( p > 0.05). However, the embryo development differs significantly, with a higher cleavage, morula, and blastocyst percentage in oocytes matured with MSC co-culture conditions than in commercial media alone ( p in vitro culture ( p > 0.05). Conclusion Based on our results, the co-culture with MSCs during the oocyte maturation resulted in better embryo d

Evidence level

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

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