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Published on: October 13, 2018
Effect of beta-cypermethrin on the reproductive capacity of female mice in advanced age
Qian-Feng Qiao1, Li-Qing Wang2, De-E Yu1
1International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Hainan Province 571199, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to investigate whether exposure to pesticides beta-cypermethrin (β-CYP) harms the reproductive capacity of advanced-age female mice. The results evidenced that peri-implantation β-CYP exposure significantly reduced the number of fetuses per advanced-age female in the first litter, and the number and weight of implantation sites. The levels of decidualization markers were significantly reduced in β-CYP-administered advanced-age mice. Lower expression of Pcna, Cdk6, Foxo1, Ki67, and p62 protein and mRNA was found in the decidua of β-CYP-treated advanced-age mice. The levels of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, Lc3a/b, Atg, mTOR, and p-mTOR protein, and the ratio of p-mTOR/mTOR protein expression were clearly downregulated by peri-implantation β-CYP exposure. These results indicated that peri-implantation β-CYP exposure may elevate the decline in reproductive capacity of early pregnant mice in advanced age.
Insights
Pesticide exposure, specifically beta-cypermethrin (β-CYP), significantly harms reproductive capacity in older female mice. This pesticide exposure reduced fetal numbers and implantation site health during early pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Advanced maternal age is associated with declining fertility.
- Pesticide exposure is a growing concern for reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of beta-cypermethrin (β-CYP) exposure on the reproductive capacity of advanced-age female mice during peri-implantation.
Main Methods:
- Female mice of advanced age were exposed to β-CYP during the peri-implantation period.
- Evaluated fetal number, implantation site count and weight, and decidualization markers.
- Assessed protein and mRNA expression of key cellular markers (e.g., Pcna, Ki67, mTOR).
Main Results:
- β-CYP exposure significantly reduced fetal numbers and implantation site viability in the first litter.
- Decidualization markers and related protein/mRNA expression (Pcna, Cdk6, Foxo1, Ki67, p62) were significantly decreased.
- Expression of apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, cleaved caspase-3) and autophagy/mTOR pathway markers were downregulated.
Conclusions:
- Peri-implantation exposure to β-CYP negatively impacts reproductive outcomes in older female mice.
- β-CYP may exacerbate age-related declines in reproductive function by affecting decidualization and cellular processes.
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