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Effects of momorcharins on ovarian response to gonadotropin-induced superovulation in mice
1Department of Biochemistry, Chinese Medicinal Materials Research Centre, Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Abstract:
Alpha- and beta-momorcharins, which are abortifacient proteins isolated from Momordica charantia seeds, were tested for a possible effect on ovulation and plasma levels of ovarian steroids in mice induced to superovulate by PMSG and hCG. The plant proteins did not affect follicular recruitment and maturation as evidenced by ovarian histology and serum 17 beta-estradiol level. Both proteins diminished the number of oocytes ovulated when given on the day prior to or on the day of PMSG treatment, but not when given after the gonadotropin injection; they also increased the incidence of follicular atresia. The number of corpora lutea was slightly reduced by treatment with the proteins, but there was no long-term suppression of the serum progesterone level. After mating, animals which have previously been treated with the plant proteins underwent pregnancy resulting in a litter size similar to that of controls.
Insights
Alpha- and beta-momorcharins from Momordica charantia seeds reduced ovulation in mice but did not affect pregnancy outcomes. These plant proteins impacted oocyte release and follicular atresia without altering key ovarian steroid levels.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Pharmacology
- Natural products research
Background:
- Momordica charantia (bitter melon) seeds contain proteins with potential biological activities.
- Alpha- and beta-momorcharins are known abortifacient proteins.
- The effects of these proteins on ovulation and steroidogenesis are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of alpha- and beta-momorcharins on ovulation and ovarian steroid levels in superovulated mice.
- To assess the impact of momorcharins on follicular dynamics and corpus luteum formation.
- To determine if momorcharin treatment affects pregnancy establishment and litter size.
Main Methods:
- Mice were induced to superovulate using pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
- Alpha- and beta-momorcharins were administered at different time points relative to gonadotropin injections.
- Ovarian histology, ovulation rates, corpus luteum counts, and plasma levels of 17 beta-estradiol and progesterone were analyzed.
- Pregnancy and litter size were assessed after mating.
Main Results:
- Momorcharins did not affect follicular recruitment or maturation, as indicated by ovarian histology and 17 beta-estradiol levels.
- Administration of alpha- and beta-momorcharins prior to or on the day of PMSG treatment reduced the number of ovulated oocytes.
- Treatment with momorcharins increased the incidence of follicular atresia.
- A slight reduction in corpora lutea was observed, but serum progesterone levels were not suppressed long-term.
- Mated animals treated with momorcharins exhibited normal pregnancy and litter sizes comparable to controls.
Conclusions:
- Alpha- and beta-momorcharins inhibit ovulation in PMSG/hCG-treated mice, likely by affecting the ovulatory process rather than follicular development.
- These proteins increase follicular atresia but do not cause long-term disruption of progesterone levels or impair the ability to carry a pregnancy to term.
- Momorcharins represent potential modulators of ovulation, with implications for reproductive research.