Low-Dose Sodium Salicylate Promotes Ovulation by Regulating Steroids via CYP17A1

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Pharmacology
• Animal Science

Background:

• Assisted reproduction and animal breeding require effective superovulation methods.
• Current hormone-based superovulation drugs have limitations and impacts.
• Understanding the role of inflammation and steroids in ovulation is crucial for developing new drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of sodium salicylate as a novel superovulation drug.
• To examine the effects of sodium salicylate on oocyte quality and ovulation rates.
• To compare sodium salicylate's efficacy with established superovulation treatments.

Main Methods:

• Mice were administered varying doses of sodium salicylate intraperitoneally for four consecutive days.
• Oocyte quality and ovulation numbers were assessed.
• Effects were compared to pregnant horse serum gonadotropin (PMSG)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) treatment.
• Gene expression (CYP17A1) and histone methylation levels were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Low-dose sodium salicylate increased ovulation hormones and inflammation by upregulating CYP17A1 expression.
• Sodium salicylate demonstrated comparable efficacy to PMSG/FSH in promoting ovulation.
• The treatment led to a reduction in histone methylation levels.
• Sodium salicylate successfully promoted ovulation in both mice and Awang sheep.

Conclusions:

• Sodium salicylate is a viable superovulation agent, comparable to PMSG/FSH.
• It offers a potential to reduce reliance on hormone drugs in animal breeding.
• This approach can decrease breeding costs and minimize adverse physical impacts.