Oleic acid in the modulation of oocyte and preimplantation embryo development

Abstract

Potential reproductive effects are considered as the major aspect of biomolecules functionality in an organism. The recent identification of differential patterns of fatty acids across ovarian follicles and their association with levels of sexual maturity highlights the importance of these biomolecules. It is well known that fatty acids are highly diverse in terms of their functional properties. Oleic acid is chemically classified as an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. Besides serving as an important energy source, oleic acid is involved in metabolic and structural roles. Free and esterified oleic acids are compartmentalized into discrete extracellular fluids, cell organelles and found within the cytosol. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the contribution of oleic acid in regulating female fertility, particularly its involvement in female germ cell growth and development. Oleic acid has been identified as a blastomeric and post-cryopreservation survival biomarker in bovine. Several related studies have shown the critical role of oleic acid in counteracting the detrimental effects of saturated fatty acids and in paracrine support of oocyte development. Although available data are not ideally detailed, most data suggest that oleic acid can contribute to normal oocyte and preimplantation embryo development via mechanisms involving metabolic partitioning of fatty acids, change in the membrane structural organization, attenuation of oxidative stress and regulation of intracellular signalling. Thus, oleic acid may play a significant role in oocyte and early embryo development, suggesting that future studies should explore in more detail its potential effects on the physiopathology of female reproduction.

Oleic Acid Counters Impaired Blastocyst Development Induced by Palmitic Acid During Mouse Preimplantation Development: Understanding Obesity-Related Declines in Fertility

“…A recent review by Fayezi et al [54] outlined the most likely mechanisms through which OA exerts its protective effects. These included but were not limited to 1) altering triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis, 2) reducing oxidative stress, and 3) altering energy production.…”

“…PA and OA differentially affect LD accumulation. Since OA is steatotic and causes lipid accumulation, exposure to OA increases LD number [47,54]. LDs are made up of a phospholipid monolayer surrounding a neutral lipid core mainly consisting of TAGs [55].…”

Alpha-Linolenic Acid: It Contribute Regulation of Fertilization Capacity and Subsequent Development by Promoting of Cumulus Expansion during Maturation

“…FAs is one of energy source and it is contained in cytoplasm of porcine and bovine oocytes (McKeegan and Sturmey, 2011). Recently, many studies had reported that dietary supplement of PUFAs in cattle could enhanced reproductive performance (Wathes et al, 2007) and addition of oleic acid in maturation medium supported the development of oocyte via inhibition harmful effects of saturated FAs (Wang and Tsujii, 1999; Leroy et al, 2003; Aardema et al, 2011; Yenuganti et al., 2016; Fayezi et al, 2018).…”

“…Formation of the zygote and embryo development after fertilization are considered as marker of the developmental ability in oocytes (Fayezi et al, 2018). During the maturation of the oocyte, incomplete cytoplasmic maturation results in polyspermy and lower development of embryos in vitro (Wang et al, 1997).…”

Improving the Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid on the In Vitro Maturation of Oocytes

“…Dietary n-3 fatty acids have been reported to influence the follicular status and to increase the cleavage rate of oocytes (Zachut et al 2010). In vivo investigations on oocyte and embryo development have revealed that regular intake of unsaturated fatty acids has improving effects on oocyte maturation and embryo development (Fayezi et al 2018). Fatty acids can also modulate granulosa cell proliferation and steroidogenesis in vitro (Maillard et al 2018), by which may influence cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) maturation.…”