Gangliosides are glycolipids in which oligosaccharide is combined with sialic acids. Our previous studies have suggested an interplay between ganglioside GD1a/GT1b and meiotic maturation capacity in porcine oocyte maturation. Furthermore, ganglioside GD1a and GT1b are known for its antioxidant activity, but it is still unclear whether possible antioxidant role of GD1a and GT1b is involved in porcine embryos development competence during in vitro culture (IVC). Here, the effects of ganglioside GD1a and GT1b on the embryonic developmental competence during in vitro culture of porcine were investigated. The effects of ganglioside GD1a and GT1b on the expression of ST3GAL2 were confirmed during embryos development (2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell and blastocyst) using immunofluorescent staining (IF). As a result, the fluorescent expression of ST3GAl2 was higher in embryos at 4-8 cells stage than blastocysts. Blastocyst development rate significantly increased in only 0.1 μM GD1a and GT1b treated groups compared with control group. To investigate the cellular apoptosis, we analyzed TUNEL assay. In case of only 0.1 μM GD1a and GT1b treated groups, the total number of cells in blastocyst compared with control group, but there was no significant difference in the rate of apoptotic cells. We identified the intracellular ROS levels using DCF-DA staining. According to the result, ROS production significantly decreased in blastocysts derived from the 0.1 μM GD1a and GT1b treated groups. These results suggest that ganglioside GD1a and GT1b improve the developmental competence of porcine embryos via reduction of intracellular ROS during preimplantation stage.

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS
AUTHOR’S POSITION AND ORCID NO
REFERENCES

• Jin-Woo Kim(Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, Daegu University, Gyeongsan 38453, Korea, Institute of Infertility, Daegu University, Gyeongsan 38453, Korea)
• Hyo-Jin Park(Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, Daegu University, Gyeongsan 38453, Korea, Institute of Infertility, Daegu University, Gyeongsan 38453, Korea)
• Seul-Gi Yang(Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, Daegu University, Gyeongsan 38453, Korea, Institute of Infertility, Daegu University, Gyeongsan 38453, Korea)
• Deog-Bon Koo(Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, Daegu University, Gyeongsan 38453, Korea, Institute of Infertility, Daegu University, Gyeongsan 38453, Korea) Corresponding author