Ethylene glycol butyl ether deteriorates oocyte quality via impairing mitochondrial function

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Toxicology
• Environmental Health
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Ethylene glycol butyl ether (EGBE) is a widespread environmental pollutant found in consumer and industrial products.
• While EGBE is known for toxicity, its effects on the female reproductive system, particularly oocyte quality, remain understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of EGBE exposure on oocyte quality and early embryonic development.
• To elucidate the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of EGBE-induced oocyte damage.

Main Methods:

• Assessment of oocyte meiotic capacity, fertilization potential, and early embryonic development after EGBE exposure.
• Microscopic analysis of spindle/chromosome structure, microtubule stability, and actin polymerization.
• Evaluation of cortical granule dynamics and ovastacin levels.
• Single-cell transcriptome analysis to identify molecular pathways affected by EGBE.

Main Results:

• EGBE exposure significantly impaired oocyte meiotic maturation, leading to maturation arrest and aneuploidy.
• Disruption of spindle/chromosome structure, microtubule stability, and actin polymerization was observed.
• EGBE compromised cortical granule exocytosis, hindering sperm binding and fertilization.
• Transcriptome analysis revealed that EGBE induces oocyte deterioration via mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and apoptosis.

Conclusions:

• EGBE negatively impacts female reproductive capacity by compromising oocyte quality.
• Mitochondrial dysfunction and redox imbalance are key mechanisms driving EGBE-induced oocyte damage.
• These findings highlight the potential reproductive risks associated with EGBE environmental exposure.