Vitrification affects the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors of mouse ovarian tissue.
BACKGROUND
One of the most major obstacles of ovarian tissue vitrification is suboptimal developmental competence of follicles. Matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9) and their tissue inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 are involved in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix in the ovaries.


OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 genes in the preantral follicles derived from vitrified mouse ovaries.


METHODS
In this experimental study, the gene expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in the isolated preantral follicles derived from fresh and vitrified ovaries of 14-16 days old female mice through real time qRT-PCR was evaluated. Developmental parameters, including survival rate, growth, antrum formation and metaphase II oocytes were also analyzed.


RESULTS
The developmental parameters of fresh preantral follicles were significantly higher than vitrified preantral follicles. The TIMP-1 and MMP-9 expression levels showed no differences between fresh and vitrified preantral follicles (p=0.22, p=0.11 respectively). By contrast, TIMP-2 expression significantly decreased (p=0.00) and MMP-2 expression increased significantly (p=0.00) in vitrified preantral follicles compared with to fresh ones.


CONCLUSIONS
Changes in expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 after ovarian tissues vitrification is partially correlated with decrease in follicle development.
School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran.
Reza
R
Asadzadeh
School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran.
Shima
S
Khosravi
School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran.; Institute of Biological Sciences, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran.
Saeed
S
Zavareh
School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran.; Institute of Biological Sciences, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran.
Mohammad Taghi
MT
Ghorbanian
School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran.; Institute of Biological Sciences, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran.
Seyed Hassan
SH
Paylakhi
School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran.; Institute of Biological Sciences, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran.
Seyed Reza
SR
Mohebbi
Matrix metalloproteinases; Mouse; Pre antral follicles; Vitrification