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Glucocorticoids impair oocyte developmental potential by triggering apoptosis of ovarian cells via activating the Fas

Hong-Jie Yuan1, Xiao Han1, Nan He1

  • 1College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City 271018, P. R. China.

Scientific Reports
|April 5, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Glucocorticoids, like cortisol, harm egg cell (oocyte) quality by triggering ovarian cell death. This process involves the Fas system, impacting fertility during stress.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Stress-induced glucocorticoids can negatively affect oocyte quality.
  • Previous research showed conflicting results on direct glucocorticoid effects on oocytes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanisms by which glucocorticoids impair oocyte competence.
  • To explore the role of ovarian cell apoptosis and the Fas system in this process.

Main Methods:

  • Female mice were injected with cortisol.
  • Oocyte competence, ovarian cell apoptosis, and Fas/FasL activation were assessed.
  • Experiments utilized generalized lymphoproliferative disorder (gld) mice with FasL mutations.

Main Results:

  • Cortisol injection reduced oocyte developmental potential and altered hormone ratios (E2/P4).
  • Cortisol increased ovarian cell apoptosis and Fas system activation (Fas/FasL).
  • Impaired oocyte competence and apoptosis were mitigated in gld mice, indicating FasL's role.

Conclusions:

  • Glucocorticoids impair oocyte competence by inducing ovarian cell apoptosis.
  • The Fas system is a key mediator in glucocorticoid-induced oocyte damage.
  • Understanding this mechanism is crucial for reproductive health during stress.

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