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Published on: February 15, 2020
Ovarian toxicity from reactive oxygen species
1Medicine, Developmental and Cell Biology, and Public Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA.
Abstract:
Oxidative stress occurs when cellular mechanisms to regulate levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are overwhelmed due to overproduction of ROS and/or deficiency of antioxidants. This chapter describes accumulating evidence that oxidative stress is involved in ovarian toxicity caused by diverse stimuli, including environmental toxicants. There is strong evidence that ROS are involved in initiation of apoptosis in antral follicles caused by several chemical and physical agents. Although less attention has been focused on the roles of ROS in primordial and primary follicle death, several studies have shown protective effects of antioxidants and/or evidence of oxidative damage, suggesting that ROS may play a role in these smaller follicles as well. Oxidative damage to lipids in the oocyte has been implicated as a cause of persistently poor oocyte quality after early life exposure to several toxicants. Developing germ cells in the fetal ovary have also been shown to be sensitive to toxicants and ionizing radiation, which induce oxidative stress. Recent studies have begun to elucidate the mechanisms by which ROS mediate ovarian toxicity.
Insights
Oxidative stress, an imbalance of reactive oxygen species (ROS), contributes to ovarian toxicity from environmental toxicants. Antioxidants may protect against this damage, particularly in oocytes and developing germ cells.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive toxicology
- Cellular stress responses
Background:
- Oxidative stress arises from an imbalance in reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation.
- This imbalance can result from excessive ROS production or insufficient antioxidant defenses.
- Oxidative stress is increasingly recognized as a factor in ovarian toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence linking oxidative stress to ovarian toxicity.
- To explore the role of ROS in different stages of ovarian follicle development.
- To highlight the impact of toxicants on oocyte quality and germ cell development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature and studies.
- Analysis of evidence implicating ROS in apoptosis of ovarian follicles.
- Examination of studies on antioxidant effects and oxidative damage markers.
Main Results:
- Strong evidence supports ROS involvement in antral follicle apoptosis induced by various agents.
- Emerging data suggest ROS also impact primordial and primary follicle survival.
- Oxidative damage to oocyte lipids is linked to long-term poor oocyte quality after toxicant exposure.
Conclusions:
- Oxidative stress is a significant contributor to chemically induced ovarian toxicity.
- ROS play a role in the death of ovarian follicles across various developmental stages.
- Understanding ROS mechanisms is crucial for addressing toxicant-induced ovarian damage.
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