The Effects of Coenzyme Q10 on Mouse Embryos Following Vitrification

Background: Cryopreservation has some adverse effects on embryo including reduction of cells metabolism, damage to mitochondria and plasma membrane, formation of reactive oxygen species, damage to the structure of proteins, lipids and DNA, and eventually, necrosis and apoptosis. In the present study, therefore, the effect of coenzyme Q10 as an antioxidant was investigated on mouse embryos following vitrification.Materials and Methods: After superovulation, mice mating and vaginal plaque examination, morulae were collected from uterine horns on the third day of gestation. The morulae were classified into 9 groups and then vitrified. The culture and vitri-fication media of the experimental groups consisted of two dif-ferent doses (10 and 30 μM) of coenzyme Q10. After one week, the embryos were warmed and then cultured. After 48 hours of culture, the blastocyst rate, total cell number (TCN), viability, and DNA fragmentation index (DFI), and after 72 hours of cul-ture, the hatching rate were evaluated.Results: Blastocyst rate was significantly reduced in the groups containing 30 μM coenzyme Q10 in their culture media com-pared to other groups (P<0.005). The hatching rate in the groups containing 10 μM coenzyme Q10 in their culture and vitrifica-tion media was significantly higher than other groups, and in the groups containing 30 μM coenzyme Q10 in their culturemedia was significantly lower than other groups (P<0.005). In groups containing 10 μM Coenzyme Q10 in their culture media, the viability and DFI were higher and lower than other groups, respectively (P<0.005).Conclusion: It seems that coenzyme Q10 is able to improve embryo quality and some aspects of mouse embryo develop-ment following vitrification through its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, and through the production of ATP and ionic balance which this function of coenzyme Q10 is dose-dependent.

کلیدواژه ها:

Coenzyme Q10 ، Cryopreservation ، Vitrification ، Blastocyst ، DNA Fragmentation