Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of L-carnitine, an enhancer of lipid metabolism and mitochondrial activity, during in vitro maturation (IVM) on nuclear maturation and in vitro fertilisation of porcine follicular oocytes and subsequent embryo development. Mitochondrial functions, intracellular lipid content and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in oocytes were also investigated. L-carnitine supplementation in 0.6-5mgmL(-1) concentration during IVM significantly improved (P<0.05) the rates of metaphase-II (MII) stage oocytes compared with the control; however, fertilisation rates and monospermy were not improved. Although supplementation of IVM medium with L-carnitine significantly increased oocyte cleavage (P<0.05), further development to the blastocyst stage was not improved. The density of active mitochondria was significantly higher and the density of lipid droplets was significantly lower (P<0.05) in L-carnitine-treated oocytes compared with the control. Furthermore, the ROS levels in L-carnitine-treated oocytes were significantly lower than those in the control. In conclusion, enhancing mitochondrial functions by L-carnitine improved oocyte maturation and cleavage underlining the importance of lipid metabolism for nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of porcine oocytes.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.