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Published on: October 11, 2015
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Dibutyltin dichloride exposure affects mouse oocyte quality by inducing spindle defects and mitochondria dysfunction
Yajuan Lu1, Hanyu Tang1, Xia Wang2
1Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China.
Chemosphere
|February 14, 2022
Summary
Dibutyltin dichloride (DBTCl), a PVC plastic stabilizer, harms mouse oocytes by disrupting meiosis, causing mitochondrial dysfunction, and increasing oxidative stress. This environmental pollutant significantly reduces ovarian health and oocyte quality.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Reproductive biology
- Cellular toxicology
Background:
- Dibutyltin dichloride (DBTCl) is a common environmental pollutant and stabilizer for PVC plastics.
- DBTCl is a known teratogen, but its effects on mammalian oocytes are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the detrimental effects of Dibutyltin dichloride (DBTCl) exposure on mouse oocyte quality and function.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying DBTCl-induced oocyte damage.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to DBTCl (5.0 mg/kg/day) for ten days.
- Ovarian and oocyte assessments were performed.
- Single-cell transcriptomic analysis was utilized to identify gene expression changes.
- Mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and apoptosis were evaluated.
Main Results:
- DBTCl exposure reduced the number of mature follicles and oocytes.
- Meiotic maturation of oocytes was inhibited, with impaired spindle assembly and chromosome alignment.
- DBTCl disrupted gene expression in over 400 genes within oocytes.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction, increased ROS accumulation, and induced apoptosis were observed.
Conclusions:
- DBTCl exposure significantly compromises mouse oocyte quality and reproductive potential.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction and redox imbalance are key mechanisms driving DBTCl toxicity in oocytes.
- These findings highlight the reproductive risks associated with DBTCl environmental contamination.
