Viability of cumulus-oocyte complexes following application of follicular fluid-derived extracellular vesicles during in vitro maturation of equine oocytes

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) encompass a heterogeneous spectrum of membrane-bound nanoparticles released by various cells. They possess the ability to transmit molecular signals between donor and recipient cells, thereby influencing cellular responses and bioactivity. Our research have demonstrated that supplementation of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) during in vitro maturation (IVM) with follicular fluid-derived extracellular vesicles (ffEVs) exerts a beneficial effect on equine compacted COCs while exhibiting a detrimental impact on expanded COCs.