Title : The impact of quercetin on oocyte maturation, gene expression in cumulus cells, and fertilization rates in a PCOS mouse model
Abstract:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent cause of infertility in women, characterized by hyperandrogenism and oxidative stress, which negatively affect oocyte quality. In vitro maturation (IVM) is often recommended to improve oocyte quality. This study investigates the effects of Quercetin (QT), an antioxidant, on IVM in immature oocytes of a PCOS mouse model and its impact on gene expression in cumulus cells, key indicators of oocyte quality. This study collected oocytes from NMRI mice with induced PCOS and cultured them in an IVM medium containing varying concentrations of Quercetin (0, 5, 10, and 20 μg/ml). The maturation rates, glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and expression of Bax and Bcl2 genes were assessed in the matured oocytes. Additionally, gene expression of Bax, Bcl2, Gpx3, and TGF-β1 was analyzed in the cumulus cells of mature MII oocytes. Fertilization rates with normal sperm, as well as cleavage and blastocyst formation rates, were evaluated.
Quercetin supplementation at 10 μg/ml significantly improved oocyte maturation, fertilization, cleavage, and blastocyst formation rates (P<0.01). This concentration also significantly increased Gpx3 and TGF-β1 mRNA levels in cumulus cells of mature oocytes (P<0.05). Furthermore, treatments with 5 and 10 μg/ml of Quercetin increased GSH levels (P<0.001) and decreased ROS levels (P<0.001). There was a significant reduction in Bax mRNA expression in mature oocytes and their cumulus cells following IVM (P<0.05). In conclusion, Quercetin exhibits a dose-dependent enhancement of oocyte maturation and quality, with 10 μg/ml showing the most significant benefits. This includes increased Gpx3 and TGF-β1 expression in cumulus cells and improved fertilization and blastocyst rates in PCOS oocytes following IVF.
Audience Take Away:
- This research's results will help improve the new techniques of Art and the high success rate of human fertilization.
- Also, by knowing the interfering factors in the fertility of PCOS patients, we can improve their fertility quality.
- Professors and other researchers can use this research's results as a suitable model for further and relevant research.
