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Published on: April 7, 2014
Acrolein exposure affects ovarian function by interfering with glycolysis and mitochondrial energy metabolism in
Yan-Zhu Chen1, Wen-Ke Wang1, Yi-Fan Yang1
1Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China.
Abstract:
Acrolein is a widespread contaminant found in both diet and environment, entering the human body through food, alcohol, smoking, and exposure to fuel combustion fumes. While prior studies have highlighted acrolein's harmful impact on oocyte quality and early embryonic development in vitro, the specific mechanisms by which acrolein affects the female reproductive system in vivo remain poorly understood. This study first confirmed that in vitro acrolein exposure disrupts spindle morphology and chromosome alignment during the mid-MI stage of oocyte development, thus hindering oocyte maturation. Besides, exposure to acrolein not only stunts growth in mice but also impairs ovarian development, decreases the ovarian coefficient, disrupts follicular development, and increases the count of atretic follicles in vivo. Additional research has shown that acrolein exposure reduces the activity of key enzymes in glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle within the ovaries. It also suppresses mitochondrial complex expression and disturbs the balance between mitochondrial fission and fusion, as confirmed by metabolomic analyses. Moreover, acrolein exposure in vivo induced granulosa cell apoptosis and reduced oocyte number. In summary, acrolein exposure impairs glucose metabolism and induces mitochondrial dysfunction in the ovaries.
Insights
Acrolein exposure impairs female fertility by disrupting oocyte maturation and ovarian development in mice. This environmental contaminant causes metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction in ovaries, leading to reduced oocyte quality and quantity.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Acrolein is a common environmental and dietary contaminant.
- Previous research indicated acrolein's negative effects on oocyte quality and embryonic development in vitro.
- Mechanisms of acrolein's impact on the female reproductive system in vivo are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo effects of acrolein on female reproductive health.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of acrolein-induced reproductive impairment.
Main Methods:
- In vivo exposure of mice to acrolein.
- Assessment of ovarian development, follicular dynamics, and ovarian coefficient.
- Analysis of enzyme activity in glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
- Evaluation of mitochondrial complex expression and dynamics (fission/fusion).
- Metabolomic analysis of ovarian tissue.
- Histological examination for granulosa cell apoptosis and oocyte count.
Main Results:
- Acrolein exposure in vitro disrupted oocyte spindle morphology and chromosome alignment.
- In vivo exposure stunted growth, impaired ovarian development, reduced ovarian coefficient, disrupted follicular development, and increased atretic follicles.
- Acrolein reduced the activity of key metabolic enzymes in the ovaries.
- Suppressed mitochondrial complex expression and altered mitochondrial fission/fusion balance were observed.
- In vivo exposure induced granulosa cell apoptosis and decreased oocyte numbers.
Conclusions:
- Acrolein exposure significantly impairs female reproductive function in vivo.
- The mechanisms involve disruption of ovarian glucose metabolism and induction of mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Acrolein poses a risk to female fertility through its detrimental effects on ovarian physiology and oocyte health.
