Hilde Aardema is a veterinarian, reproduction specialist (ECAR diplomate) and researcher. Since 2019 she is heading the reproduction laboratory of Population Health Sciences - Farm Animal Health. With the reproduction team of enthusiastic researchers, technicians and students she tries to unravel the mysteries of early life.
The focus of her reproduction research lies on the impact of the maternal (mother) environment on offspring during the early phase of development, from the oocyte towards the embryo. Multiple challenges reach the oocyte and embryo during this extremely important first phase of life, which can be affected by the conditions of the mother. The bovine IVF model (figure 1) is the model of choice to unravel the influence of maternal conditions on the oocyte and embryo, which is also a great model for humans due to the large reproductive similarities of oocyte and embryo development in human and cow.
Figure 1. Schematic picture of bovine IVF model based on slaughterhouse ovaries (rest material). Immature oocytes are collected from bovine slaughterhouse ovaries, reducing the need for animal studies, and are matured, fertilized (IVF) and cultured until the blastocyst stage. The bovine model is a powerful model, also for the human periconception phase, to study the impact of maternal exposures on oocytes and embryos.
One research theme within our group is how the metabolic condition of the mother, like a negative energy balance or obesity, may impact early life. Former studies in our group demonstrate that metabolic conditions are reflected at the level of the oocyte and affect embryonic development and quality. A balance in free fatty acids appears to be vital for a competent oocyte (figure 2) and embryo.
Figure 2. Oocyte with surrounding cumulus cell layer. DNA cumulus (blue), lipid droplets (green), DNA oocyte (red)
Another theme that we are working on with the bovine IVF model is the potential impact of microplastics on oocyte and embryo development, in collaboration with the IRAS toxicology group. Plastic pollution is an increasing global health concern, particularly the ever-increasing amount of tiny plastic particles commonly referred to as micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs). Recent studies demonstrate that MNPs can also reach the ovary and uterus. To this end, it is of crucial importance to better understand the potential impact of MNPs on early life.
Figure 3. Cows of our university farm the "Tolakker" with skyline of Utrecht Science Park.
In order to gain healthy offspring, a healthy mother cow is of crucial importance. In the happy healthy cow project, we develop a sensor to monitor and study cow health and behavior with the aim to learn more about the wellbeing of the cow (figure 3).
Step by step we try to unravel more from the magic mystery of life.
Feel free to contact me if you would like to hear more about our research or in case you are interested in working with us, we are always open to collaborations.