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Effect of lactoferrin on murine embryo development created from lipopolysaccharide-treated sperm
Takahiro Aya1, Yukiko Tomioka1, Takashi Takeuchi1
1Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan.
Abstract:
The effect of lactoferrin (LF) on embryo development was investigated by using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mouse sperm. For the development rate of the 2-cell stage embryo, the embryo derived from LPS- and LF-treated sperm showed similar survival rate to the control embryo. On day 12 after the embryo transfer into the recipient, the frequent abnormality was observed in the embryo derived from LPS-treated sperm, and the abnormality was tended to be inhibited in the embryo derived from LPS- and LF-treated sperm. These results imply that LF treatment on sperm contaminated with bacteria may facilitate the embryo development, which contribute to the improvement of infertility.
Insights
Lactoferrin (LF) may improve embryo development in mice. LF treatment of sperm contaminated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) reduced embryo abnormalities, suggesting a potential benefit for infertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Bacterial contamination of sperm can negatively impact embryo development.
- Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding protein with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of lactoferrin (LF) on mouse embryo development using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated sperm.
- To determine if LF can mitigate LPS-induced abnormalities in early embryo development.
Main Methods:
- Sperm were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or lactoferrin (LF).
- Fertilized embryos were cultured to the 2-cell stage.
- Embryo development rates were assessed.
- Embryo transfer into recipient mice was performed, and abnormalities were evaluated on day 12.
Main Results:
- Embryos derived from LPS- and LF-treated sperm showed similar survival rates to controls at the 2-cell stage.
- Frequent abnormalities were observed in embryos from LPS-treated sperm.
- LF treatment tended to inhibit these abnormalities in embryos derived from LPS-treated sperm.
Conclusions:
- Lactoferrin (LF) treatment may protect against bacterial contamination-induced embryo developmental abnormalities.
- LF treatment of contaminated sperm could potentially improve embryo development and aid in addressing infertility.
