Vitrification of embryos has been known as the most efficient cryopreservation method in assisted reproductive technology clinics. Vitrification of preimplantation embryo might be associated with altered gene expression profile and biochemical changes of vitrified embryos. Stringent regulation of gene expression in early embryonic stages is very critical for normal development. In the present study, we investigated the effect of vitrification on the canonical miRNA biogenesis pathway, and also the expression of developmental related miRNAs, in 8-cell and blastocyst mouse embryos. Although the expression pattern of the miRNA biogenesis pathway genes differed between 8-cell and blastocyst mouse embryos, vitrification did not affect the expression level of these genes in preimplantation embryos. The expression levels of miR-21 and let-7a were significantly decreased in vitrified 8-cell embryos and fresh blastocysts when compared with fresh 8-cell embryos. The expression of Stat3 was significantly reduced in blastocysts after vitrification. The alteration in the expression pattern of miRNAs, due to their mode of action, can affect broad downstream key developmental signaling pathways. Therefore, the blastocyst stage is the preferred point for embryo vitrification as they are less susceptible to cryo-damages regarding the stability of miRNAs related to the developmental and implantation competence of embryo.

胚胎玻璃化冷冻被认为是辅助生殖技术诊所中最有效的冷冻保存方法。植入前胚胎的玻璃化可能与基因表达谱的改变和玻璃化胚胎的生化变化有关。胚胎早期基因表达的严格调控对于正常发育非常关键。在本研究中，我们研究了玻璃化冷冻对 8 细胞和胚泡小鼠胚胎中典型 miRNA 生物发生途径的影响，以及发育相关 miRNA 的表达。尽管 8 细胞和囊胚小鼠胚胎的 miRNA 生物发生途径基因的表达模式不同，但玻璃化冷冻不影响这些基因在植入前胚胎中的表达水平。与新鲜 8 细胞胚胎相比，玻璃化 8 细胞胚胎和新鲜囊胚中 miR-21 和 let-7a 的表达水平显着降低。玻璃化冷冻后囊胚中Stat3的表达显着降低。由于其作用模式，miRNA 表达模式的改变会影响广泛的下游关键发育信号通路。因此，囊胚阶段是胚胎玻璃化的首选点，因为它们不易受到与胚胎发育和植入能力相关的 miRNA 稳定性的冷冻损伤。由于其作用模式，miRNA 表达模式的改变会影响广泛的下游关键发育信号通路。因此，囊胚阶段是胚胎玻璃化的首选点，因为它们不易受到与胚胎发育和植入能力相关的 miRNA 稳定性的冷冻损伤。由于其作用模式，miRNA 表达模式的改变会影响广泛的下游关键发育信号通路。因此，囊胚阶段是胚胎玻璃化的首选点，因为它们不易受到与胚胎发育和植入能力相关的 miRNA 稳定性的冷冻损伤。