L-Carnitine Modulates Oocyte Development and Cumulus Expansion in Tropical Ruminants: Experimental and Bioinformatics...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Animal Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Oocyte quality is crucial for successful assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
• Poor reproductive efficiency in tropical climates necessitates strategies to improve oocyte competence.
• L-carnitine plays a role in cellular energy metabolism and oxidative stress defense.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of L-carnitine on nuclear maturation and fertilization in cattle and goat oocytes.
• To determine optimal L-carnitine concentrations for enhancing oocyte quality.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying L-carnitine's effects on oocytes.

Main Methods:

• Oocytes were collected from cattle and goats with poor reproductive efficiency.
• Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured with varying L-carnitine concentrations.
• Cumulus expansion, nuclear maturation, and in vitro fertilization (in cattle) were assessed.
• Gene ontology, KEGG pathway, and protein-protein interaction network analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• L-carnitine significantly enhanced cumulus expansion and nuclear maturation in both species.
• Optimal maturation rates were observed at 1 mg/mL for goats and 0.375-0.5 mg/mL for cattle.
• Fertilization rates in cattle improved with L-carnitine, especially at 0.375-0.5 mg/mL.
• L-carnitine modulated pathways involved in oxidative stress reduction, glucose metabolism, and mitochondrial function.

Conclusions:

• L-carnitine supplementation enhances oocyte competence in cattle and goats.
• The benefits are likely mediated by improved cellular metabolism and reduced oxidative stress.
• L-carnitine shows potential for optimizing ART outcomes in ruminants.