Effects of exposure to high glucose concentration on embryonic development potential of mouse

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of exposure to high glucose concentration on the developmental potential of preimplantation embryos. Methods Female ICR mice mated with males after ovulation induction to acquire zygotes, which were incubated to blastocysts in KSOM medium (0.2 mmol/L glucose, control group), KSOM medium supplemented with 10 mmol/L glucose (middle dose group) and KSOM medium supplemented with 20 mmol/L glucose (high dose group). The blastocyst rate of each group was recorded. The blastocysts were transplanted into day 3.5 (D3.5) pseudopregnant mice. The surrogate female mice were sacrificed in D18.5. Then, the embryo implantation rate, the live fetal rate after implantation and the embryo abortion rate were calculated. The blastocysts mRNA were extracted and the mRNA expression levels of relevant genes (Cdx2, Tead4, Fgfr2, Adm, Plau, Timp1) were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results 1) Compared with control group, the blastocyst rate of the high dose group was significantly decreased (P=0.016). 2) There was no statistical difference in the implantation rate of the three groups (P>0.05), but the live fetal rate after implantation of the middle dose group and high dose group was significantly decreased compared with control group (P=0.004). 3) Compared with control group, the mRNA relative expression levels of Cdx2, Tead4 and Fgfr2 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.001, P=0.005, P=0.003) in the blastocysts of middle and high dose groups. 4) Compared with control group, the mRNA relative expression levels of Adm, Plau and Timp1 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.001, P=0.001, P=0.041), and Mmp2, Timp3 and Troap were significantly up-regulated in the blastocysts of middle and high dose groups (P=0.012, P=0.013, P=0.002). Conclusion Before implantation, exposure to high glucose concentration decreases the developmental potential of the embryos, and leads to adverse pregnant outcomes. Key words: High concentration of glucose; Blastocyst; Implantation rate; Embryo abortion rate; Glucose metabolism