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Impact of hydrogen peroxide-driven Fenton reaction on mouse oocyte quality
Faten Shaeib1, Jashoman Banerjee, Dhiman Maitra
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
Abstract:
Here we show that hydroxyl radical ((•)OH) generated through the Fenton reaction alters metaphase-II mouse oocyte microtubules (MT) and chromosomal alignment (CH). Metaphase-II mouse oocytes, obtained commercially, were grouped as follows: control, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Fe(II), and combined (Fe(II) +H2O2) treatments. After 7-10 min of incubation at 37 °C, MT and CH were evaluated on fixed and stained oocytes and scored by two blinded observers. Pearson χ(2) test and Fisher exact test were used to compare outcomes between controls and treated groups and also among the treated groups. Our results showed that poor scores for MT and CH increased significantly in oocytes treated with a combination of H2O2 and Fe(II) (p<0.001); oocytes treated with H2O2 alone or Fe(II) alone showed no or few changes compared to control. Comparison of oocyte groups that received increasing concentrations of H2O2 and a fixed amount of Fe(II) showed that 70-80% demonstrated poor scores in both MT and CH when pretreated with 5 μM H2O2, and this increased up to 90-100% when treated with 10-20 μM H2O2. Hydroxyl radical generated by H2O2-driven Fenton reaction deteriorates the metaphase-II mouse oocyte spindle and CH alignment, which is thought to be a potential cause of poor oocyte quality. Thus, free iron and/or ROS scavengers could attenuate the (•)OH-mediated spindle and chromosomal damage, thereby serving as a possible approach for further examination as a therapeutic option in inflammatory states.
Insights
Hydroxyl radical ((•)OH) generated by Fenton reaction damages mouse oocyte microtubules and chromosomal alignment. This damage, particularly from combined hydrogen peroxide and iron treatments, suggests a cause for poor oocyte quality.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Oxidative Stress Research
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Metaphase-II mouse oocytes are crucial for fertilization.
- Microtubules (MT) and chromosomal alignment (CH) are vital for successful meiosis.
- Oxidative stress, including hydroxyl radical ((•)OH) generation, can impact cellular structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of hydroxyl radical ((•)OH) on metaphase-II mouse oocyte MT and CH.
- To determine the role of the Fenton reaction in mediating this damage.
- To explore potential therapeutic targets for mitigating oxidative stress-induced oocyte damage.
Main Methods:
- Metaphase-II mouse oocytes were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and/or iron (Fe(II)).
- Oocytes were fixed, stained, and evaluated for MT and CH integrity by blinded observers.
- Statistical analyses (Pearson χ(2) and Fisher exact tests) were used for outcome comparison.
Main Results:
- Combined H2O2 and Fe(II) treatment significantly increased poor MT and CH scores (p<0.001).
- H2O2 or Fe(II) alone showed minimal impact compared to controls.
- Increasing H2O2 concentrations with fixed Fe(II) led to 70-100% poor MT and CH scores.
Conclusions:
- Hydroxyl radical ((•)OH) generated via the Fenton reaction significantly deteriorates metaphase-II mouse oocyte spindle and chromosomal alignment.
- This damage is a potential cause of poor oocyte quality.
- Free iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers may offer a therapeutic strategy against (•)OH-mediated oocyte damage.
