Correlation Between Intrafollicular IL-10, Progesterone, and Bovine Oocyte Developmental Competence

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Biotechnology
• Animal Science

Background:

• Oocyte developmental competence is crucial for successful bovine in vitro embryo production (IVEP).
• Identifying reliable biomarkers for oocyte quality is essential to improve IVEP efficiency.
• Current methods for assessing oocyte potential have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between intrafollicular interleukin-10 (IL-10) and progesterone (P4) concentrations, follicle characteristics, and bovine oocyte developmental competence.
• To evaluate IL-10 as a predictive biomarker for oocyte developmental success in IVEP.
• To assess the utility of a Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging biosensor for IL-10 quantification.

Main Methods:

• Follicular fluid and cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected from FSH-stimulated heifers (n=314).
• Intrafollicular IL-10 was quantified using a Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging biosensor.
• Progesterone (P4) was measured via enzyme-linked fluorescent assay.
• Oocytes were cultured in vitro to assess cleavage and blastocyst formation rates.

Main Results:

• Intrafollicular IL-10 concentration positively correlated with blastocyst rate (ρ = 0.29, p = 0.016).
• Oocytes from follicles with IL-10 > 142.16 pg/mL had a 16.33-fold increased chance of blastocyst development (p = 0.006).
• A combined model of IL-10 and oocyte morphology showed high accuracy (AUC = 0.724) in predicting blastocyst success.
• Poor oocyte morphology and large follicular volume were associated with developmental failure.
• Intrafollicular P4 correlated with follicle size, not directly with embryo development.

Conclusions:

• Intrafollicular IL-10 is a potent biomarker for predicting bovine oocyte competence.
• Quantification of IL-10 using biosensor technology can enhance IVEP program efficiency.
• This study provides a novel approach to improve selection of oocytes for IVEP.