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Updated: Oct 19, 2025
Evaluation of the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint Integrity in Mouse Oocytes
Published on: September 13, 2022
Acrylamide impairs the developmental potential of germinal vesicle oocytes by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and
Ji-Guang Gao1,2, Jian-Ke Yang2, Lei Zhu3
112514Life Science College of Anhui Normal University, Provincial Key Lab. of the Conservation and Exploitation Research of Biological Resources in Anhui, Wuhu, China.
Abstract:
Background: Acrylamide (ACR), an important endogenous contaminant in carbohydrate-rich foods, has been involved in various negative effects on multiple organ networks, including the reproductive system. Previous studies have reported that ACR affects oocyte quality and fertility. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the toxic effects and regulatory mechanisms of ACR on mouse germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes. Research Design: In this study, adult female mice were exposed to ACR at 10 mg/kg/day/body weight through their drinking water continuously for 4 weeks. Study Sample and Data Analysis: The mitochondrial function, autophagy/apoptosis, and development potential of GV oocytes were investigated. Results: The results showed that ACR reduced the oocyte diameter, sperm-binding ability, parthenogenetic activation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate, and development potential of pre-implantation embryos. We also found that ACR exposure disrupted chromatin configuration, mitochondrial distribution, and membrane potential (Δφm) of oocytes. Actin filament expression was significantly reduced in both the membrane and cytoplasm of mouse oocytes. Moreover, ACR exposure increased LC3-positive signals, early apoptosis rate, aberrant ATG3, ATG5, LC3, Beclin1, and mTOR mRNA expression. Conclusions: These results suggest that ACR exposure can affect the developmental potential of GV oocytes by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, actin filament assembly, and autophagy/apoptosis.
Insights
Acrylamide exposure harms mouse oocyte quality by disrupting mitochondrial function, actin assembly, and promoting autophagy and apoptosis. This impacts fertility and early embryo development.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive toxicology
- Cellular and molecular biology
- Environmental health
Background:
- Acrylamide (ACR) is an endogenous contaminant found in carbohydrate-rich foods.
- ACR negatively affects multiple organ systems, including the reproductive system.
- Previous research indicates ACR impairs oocyte quality and fertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxic effects of ACR on mouse germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes.
- To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms underlying ACR-induced oocyte damage.
- To assess ACR's impact on oocyte mitochondrial function, autophagy, apoptosis, and developmental potential.
Main Methods:
- Adult female mice were exposed to ACR (10 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks.
- GV oocytes were analyzed for mitochondrial function, autophagy/apoptosis markers, and developmental potential.
- Key gene expression related to autophagy and apoptosis was quantified.
Main Results:
- ACR exposure reduced oocyte diameter, sperm binding, parthenogenetic activation, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) rates.
- ACR disrupted oocyte chromatin, mitochondrial distribution, membrane potential, and actin filament expression.
- Increased LC3 signals, apoptosis rates, and aberrant mRNA expression of autophagy-related genes (ATG3, ATG5, LC3, Beclin1) and mTOR were observed.
Conclusions:
- ACR exposure significantly impairs the developmental potential of GV oocytes.
- Mechanisms include induced mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired actin filament assembly, and dysregulated autophagy/apoptosis pathways.
- These findings highlight ACR as a reproductive toxicant affecting female fertility.
