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Published on: November 11, 2022
Acrylamide Exposure Destroys the Distribution and Functions of Organelles in Mouse Oocytes
Chao-Ying Zhao1,2, Lin-Lin Hu3, Chun-Hua Xing2
1College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.
Abstract:
Acrylamide (ACR) is a common industrial ingredient which is also found in foods that are cooked at high temperatures. ACR has been shown to have multiple toxicities including reproductive toxicity. Previous studies reported that ACR caused oocyte maturation defects through the induction of apoptosis and oxidative stress. In the present study, we showed that ACR exposure affected oocyte organelle functions, which might be the reason for oocyte toxicity. We found that exposure to 5 mM ACR reduced oocyte maturation. ACR caused abnormal mitochondrial distribution away from spindle periphery and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Further analysis showed that ACR exposure reduced the fluorescence intensity of Rps3 and abnormal distribution of the endoplasmic reticulum, indicating that ACR affected protein synthesis and modification in mouse oocytes. We found the negative effects of ACR on the distribution of the Golgi apparatus; in addition, fluorescence intensity of vesicle transporter Rab8A decreased, suggesting the decrease in protein transport capacity of oocytes. Furthermore, the simultaneous increase in lysosomes and LAMP2 fluorescence intensity was also observed, suggesting that ACR affected protein degradation in oocytes. In conclusion, our results indicated that ACR exposure disrupted the distribution and functions of organelles, which further affected oocyte developmental competence in mice.
Insights
Acrylamide (ACR) exposure disrupts key organelle functions in mouse oocytes, impacting protein synthesis, transport, and degradation. This damage affects oocyte maturation and developmental potential.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Toxicology
Background:
- Acrylamide (ACR) is an industrial chemical and food contaminant linked to reproductive toxicity.
- Previous research indicates ACR induces oocyte maturation defects via apoptosis and oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of ACR exposure on oocyte organelle function and its contribution to toxicity.
- To elucidate the specific cellular mechanisms underlying ACR-induced oocyte dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of mouse oocytes to 5 mM acrylamide.
- Assessment of oocyte maturation rates.
- Analysis of mitochondrial distribution and membrane potential.
- Evaluation of endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and lysosome function using fluorescence microscopy and specific markers (Rps3, Rab8A, LAMP2).
Main Results:
- Acrylamide exposure reduced oocyte maturation rates.
- Abnormal mitochondrial distribution and decreased membrane potential were observed.
- Acrylamide disrupted protein synthesis (Rps3), modification (endoplasmic reticulum), and transport (Golgi apparatus, Rab8A).
- Increased lysosome and LAMP2 fluorescence indicated altered protein degradation pathways.
Conclusions:
- Acrylamide exposure significantly disrupts the distribution and function of critical organelles within mouse oocytes.
- These organelle dysfunctions, including impaired protein handling and mitochondrial abnormalities, contribute to reduced oocyte quality and developmental competence.
