Abstract
Simple SummaryThis review will explore how some cytokines also influence early embryonic development. We term these types of molecules as embryokines. Understanding how cytokines serve as embryokines could offer new opportunities to improve embryo development and the overall health of the embryo so that pregnancies will be retained after embryo transfer and so that viable offspring are produced. At least two cytokines may offer these benefits to bovine embryos produced in vitro. Additional cytokines also are identified in this review that may contain beneficial activities on bovine embryos.The term “embryokine” has been used to denote molecules produced by the endometrium, oviduct, or by embryo itself that will influence embryo development. Several cytokines have been identified as embryokines in cattle and other mammals. This review will describe how these cytokines function as embryokines, with special emphasis being placed on their actions on in vitro produced (IVP) bovine embryos. Embryokines are being explored for their ability to overcome the poor development rates of IVP embryos and to limit post-transfer pregnancy retention efficiencies that exist in IVP embryos. This review will focus on describing two of the best-characterized cytokines, colony-stimulating factor 2 and interleukin 6, for their ability to modify bovine embryo quality and confirmation, promote normal fetal development, and generate healthy calves. Additional cytokines will also be discussed for their potential to serve as embryokines.
Highlights
The dairy and beef industries are rapidly adopting the use of in vitro embryo production to produce calves of a desired genetic makeup
It is expressed within the ovine endometrial epithelium during diestrus [104], but the sole study exploring interleukin 3 (IL3) effects on in vitro production (IVP) bovine embryos failed to detect a positive effect of IL3 on cleavage or blastocyst rates [105]
There is convincing evidence that colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) serves as an embryokine, and recent evidence from our group supports the notion that interleukin 6 (IL6) should be categorized as an embryokine (Figure 2)
Summary
The dairy and beef industries are rapidly adopting the use of in vitro embryo production to produce calves of a desired genetic makeup. This is being achieved by coupling in vitro production (IVP) with ovum pickup (OPU) and embryo transfer (ET). These combined technologies maximize the number of calves that can be produced from genetically desirable dams and sires. Cytokines (“cyto” for cell, “kinos” for movement) are a broad category of intracrine, autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine signaling agents that regulates the innate and adaptive immune responses [16] These molecules include chemokines, interferons, interleukins, tumor necrosis factors, and lymphokines. Various non-immune actions of cytokines are known, and this review will highlight the embryokine activities of these cytokines
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