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Published on: October 24, 2025
Caffeine delays oocyte aging and maintains the quality of aged oocytes safely in mouse
Xia Zhang1,2, Xiaoyan Liu1,3,4, Li Chen1,3
1Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
Caffeine, as an oocyte aging inhibitor, was used in many different species to control or delay oocyte aging. However, the safety of caffeine and developmental competence of aged oocytes inhibited by caffeine has not been studied systematically. So we detected the spindle morphology, distribution of cortical granules, zona pellucida hardening and pronucleus formation to assess oocyte quality of caffeine treated oocytes. We found that aged oocytes treated by caffeine maintained weak susceptibility to activating stimuli and regained normal competent after aged further 6 hr. Caffeine maintained the spindle morphology, changed cortical granules distribution of aged oocytes and could not prevent zona pellucida hardening. Furthermore, caffeine increased pronucleus formation of aged oocytes and decreased fragmentation after fertilization. These results suggested that caffeine could maintain the quality of aged oocytes safely in mouse.
Insights
Caffeine safely maintains mouse oocyte quality by preserving spindle morphology and improving fertilization outcomes in aged oocytes. This study suggests caffeine is a safe inhibitor of oocyte aging.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Oocyte aging is a significant factor affecting female fertility.
- Caffeine is known to inhibit oocyte aging in various species.
- The safety and developmental competence of caffeine-treated aged oocytes require systematic investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of caffeine in maintaining the quality of aged mouse oocytes.
- To assess the impact of caffeine on key indicators of oocyte quality, including spindle morphology, cortical granule distribution, zona pellucida hardening, and pronucleus formation.
Main Methods:
- Aged mouse oocytes were treated with caffeine.
- Oocyte quality was assessed by examining spindle morphology and cortical granule distribution.
- Zona pellucida hardening was evaluated.
- Pronuclear formation and subsequent fertilization parameters, including fragmentation, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Caffeine-treated aged oocytes exhibited maintained spindle morphology and altered cortical granule distribution.
- Caffeine did not prevent zona pellucida hardening in aged oocytes.
- Aged oocytes treated with caffeine showed increased pronucleus formation and reduced fragmentation post-fertilization.
- These oocytes maintained weak susceptibility to activation stimuli and regained competence after further aging.
Conclusions:
- Caffeine can be safely used to maintain the quality of aged mouse oocytes.
- Caffeine improves key developmental competence parameters of aged oocytes, such as fertilization potential.
- Further research is warranted to explore the full potential of caffeine in assisted reproductive technologies.
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