Fuente: PubMed "royal jelly" Theriogenology. 2026 Jul 25;265:118110. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.118110. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTCryopreservation remains a major limitation in assisted reproductive technologies due to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction that compromise embryo viability after warming. This study aimed to determine the optimal concentration and timing of 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) supplementation, the principal bioactive fatty acid of royal jelly, to improve the development and cryotolerance of in vitro-produced goat embryos. In Phase I, in vitro produced embryos were cultured in vitro in media supplemented with 0, 100, 500, or 1000 μM 10-HDA to identify the optimal concentration. Cleavage rates were unaffected by treatment. However, supplementation with 500 μM significantly increased blastocyst formation (51.58 ± 5.34 vs. 22.94 ± 2.25) and trophectoderm cell numbers compared with control (P < 0.05), whereas 1000 μM reduced blastocyst formation and quality. In Phase II, embryos were exposed to 500 μM 10-HDA before vitrification, after warming, or both. Pre-treatment prior to cryopreservation significantly increased post-thaw blastocyst rates and intracellular glutathione levels (P < 0.05). Mitochondrial membrane potential was higher in embryos supplemented before vitrification than in those treated after warming (P < 0.05). Reactive oxygen species levels and blastocyst re-expansion were not significantly affected. These findings indicate that 10-HDA affects embryo cryotolerance in a dose- and timing-dependent manner, primarily through enhancement of intracellular antioxidant capacity and was associated with a tendency to improve mitochondrial function. Preconditioning before vitrification appears to be the most effective strategy for improving post-thaw competence of goat IVF embryos.PMID:42520523 | DOI:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.118110