Melatonin Protects Rabbit Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) Embryos from Electrofusion Damage

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a key technique in assisted reproduction and regenerative medicine.
• Electrofusion is commonly used in SCNT but can induce cellular damage.
• Understanding and mitigating electrofusion-induced damage is crucial for improving SCNT efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of electrofusion on rabbit SCNT embryos.
• To evaluate melatonin's protective effects against electrofusion-induced damage.
• To assess changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS), epigenetic state (H3K9me3), and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.

Main Methods:

• Rabbit SCNT embryos were subjected to electrofusion.
• Melatonin was administered during preimplantation development.
• ROS levels, H3K9me3, IRE-1, and CHOP expression were quantified.
• Blastocyst cell number, fragmentation rate, and apoptotic index were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Electrofusion elevated ROS levels, H3K9me3, and ER stress markers (IRE-1, CHOP) in SCNT embryos.
• Melatonin treatment significantly decreased ROS, H3K9me3, and ER stress markers.
• Melatonin administration improved blastocyst quality by reducing fragmentation and apoptosis, and increasing cell count.

Conclusions:

• Electrofusion induces oxidative stress, epigenetic alterations, and ER stress in rabbit SCNT embryos.
• Melatonin effectively mitigates electrofusion-induced damage, offering a protective strategy.
• These findings have significant implications for enhancing SCNT efficiency and optimizing electrical stimulation applications.