Coenzyme Q10 in Submicron-Sized Dispersion Improves Development, Hatching, Cell Proliferation, and Adenosine Triphosphate Content of In Vitro-Produced Bovine Embryos

Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ 10 ) is an essential component of the plasma membrane ion transporter (PMIT) system and of the electron transport chain in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Because of its intrinsic functions in cell growth and energy metabolism (ATP synthesis), and its protective effects against...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biology of reproduction 1999-08, Vol.61 (2), p.541-547
Main Authors: STOJKOVIC, M, WESTESEN, K, ZAKHARTCHENKO, V, STOJKOVIC, P, BOXHAMMER, K, WOLF, E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Early stages. Segmentation. Gastrulation. Neurulation
Embryology: invertebrates and vertebrates. Teratology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
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Summary:Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ 10 ) is an essential component of the plasma membrane ion transporter (PMIT) system and of the electron transport chain in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Because of its intrinsic functions in cell growth and energy metabolism (ATP synthesis), and its protective effects against oxidative stress, CoQ 10 is a good candidate for supporting growth of cells in culture. However, because of its quinone structure, CoQ 10 is extremely lipophilic and practically insoluble in water. We used a specific technology to prepare a submicron-sized dispersion of CoQ 10 , inhibiting re-crystallization by a stabilizer. This dispersion, which exhibits a very large specific surface area for drug dissolution, was tested as a supplement for the in vitro culture of bovine embryos in a chemically defined system. The rate of early cleavage of embryos (5- to 8-cell stages) was evaluated 66 h postinsemination (hpi) and was highest in medium supplemented with 30 or 100 μM CoQ 10 (66.5 ± 0.8% and 68.7 ± 1.1%, respectively) and lowest in 10 μM CoQ 10 (55.3 ± 0.8%). The proportions of oocytes developing to blastocysts by 186 hpi were 19.0 ± 0.6% and 25.2 ± 0.3% in medium supplemented with 10 μM and 30 μM CoQ 10 , respectively, and were significantly ( p < 0.001) higher than those obtained with the equivalent amounts of stabilizer (9.9 ± 0.4% and 11.3 ± 0.4%). In the presence of 30 μM CoQ 10 , significantly ( p < 0.001) more blastocysts hatched by 210 hpi than in the equivalent amount of stabilizer (31.8 ± 1.3 vs. 8.4 ± 2.2). Expanded blastocysts produced in the presence of 30 μM CoQ 10 had significantly ( p < 0.01) more inner cell mass cells and trophectoderm cells, and a significantly ( p < 0.001) increased ATP content as compared to expanded blastocysts produced in the presence of the corresponding amount of stabilizer. Our results show that noncrystalline CoQ 10 in submicron-sized dispersion supports the development and viability of bovine embryos produced in a chemically defined culture system.
ISSN:0006-3363
1529-7268
DOI:10.1095/biolreprod61.2.541