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Melatonin protects against defects induced by methoxychlor in porcine oocyte maturation
Zhaojun Geng1, Mingjun Zhang2, Shuming Shi1
1Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
Abstract:
Methoxychlor (MXC) is a widely used organochlorine pesticide primarily targeting pests. However, MXC has been found to negatively impact the reproductive system of both humans and animals, triggering oxidative stress and apoptosis. Melatonin (MLT), an endogenous hormone, possesses various benefits, including circadian rhythm regulation and anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress effects. Moreover, MLT plays a crucial role in the development of animal germ cells and embryos. This study aimed to investigate the impact of MLT on porcine oocytes exposed to MXC. The experimental findings revealed that 200 μM MXC had detrimental effects on the maturation of porcine oocytes. However, the addition of 10-8 M MLT mitigated the toxic effects of MXC. MXC induced oxidative stress in porcine oocytes, leading to an increase in reactive oxygen species and impairing mitochondrial function. Consequently, oocyte quality was affected, resulting in elevated levels of early apoptosis and DNA damage, ultimately negatively impacting subsequent embryonic development. However, the addition of MLT showed the potential to ameliorate the damage caused by MXC. In conclusion, our results suggest that MLT exhibits a protective effect against MXC-induced damage to porcine oocyte maturation.
Insights
Melatonin (MLT) protects porcine oocytes from Methoxychlor (MXC) pesticide damage. MLT addition reduced oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis caused by MXC, improving oocyte maturation and quality.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Cell Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Organochlorine pesticides like Methoxychlor (MXC) pose risks to reproductive health by inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis.
- Melatonin (MLT), an endogenous hormone, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and its role in germ cell development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of Melatonin (MLT) against Methoxychlor (MXC)-induced damage in porcine oocytes.
Main Methods:
- Porcine oocytes were exposed to 200 μM Methoxychlor (MXC).
- The effects of Melatonin (MLT) at 10⁻⁸ M on MXC-treated oocytes were assessed.
- Evaluations included reactive oxygen species levels, mitochondrial function, apoptosis, DNA damage, and oocyte maturation rates.
Main Results:
- Methoxychlor (MXC) significantly impaired porcine oocyte maturation, increasing oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
- MXC exposure led to elevated early apoptosis and DNA damage in oocytes, negatively affecting subsequent embryonic development.
- Melatonin (MLT) addition counteracted the detrimental effects of MXC, ameliorating oxidative stress and preserving oocyte quality and maturation.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin (MLT) demonstrates a significant protective role against Methoxychlor (MXC)-induced reproductive toxicity in porcine oocytes.
- MLT mitigates MXC-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and DNA damage, thereby improving oocyte maturation and quality.
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