Cyclic QDE peptide increases fertilization rates and provides healthy pups in mouse

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of cyclic QDE peptide (cQDE), derived from sperm fertilin beta (ADAM2), in mouse in vitro fertilization (IVF) and its harmlessness on pups after embryo transfer.

Design: Prospective in vivo and in vitro study in mice.

Setting: Murine model in an academic research environment in France.

Animal(s): Normal B6CBF1 mice.

Intervention(s): Indirect immunofluorescence was used to evaluate cQDE binding to oolemma. The IVF assays were run in presence of the species-specific tripeptide (cQDE at 100 microM), and embryos were transferred in pseudopregnant mice. Controls were obtained by natural mating and IVF in regular medium followed by embryo transfer.

Main outcome measure(s): Evaluation of fertilization, litter size, pup fertility and health.

Result(s): Biotinylated cQDE peptide binds to oocyte plasma membrane and increases gamete fusion in cumulus-intact IVF assay. Litter size as well as pup development after embryo transfer showed no statistically significant differences compared with controls. Pups born from embryos that were incubated with the peptide were as healthy and normally fertile as control mice over at least three generations.

Conclusion(s): Cyclic QDE is harmless and improves mouse IVF pregnancy rates. A randomized prospective clinical trial to evaluate the beneficial effect of cyclic FEE on human IVF is required before its clinical use.