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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Rapid One-step Enzymatic Synthesis and All-aqueous Purification of Trehalose Analogues
Published on: February 17, 2017
Trehalose Alleviates D-Galactose-Induced Aging-Related Granulosa Cell Death in Ovaries
Huaming Xi1, Xinyu Chen1, Kai Liang1
1Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.
Abstract:
Ovarian dysfunction caused by aging restricts female reproductive capacity and is accompanied by oxidative stress and impaired autophagy. Recent studies have shown that trehalose (Tre) can activate autophagy and have antioxidant effects. However, whether Tre can be used to attenuate ovarian aging remains unclear. Therefore, the anti-aging effects of Tre on the ovary were explored both in vivo and in vitro. D-galactose (D-gal) was administered i.p. daily (200 mg/kg body weight) for 8 weeks to establish the mouse ovarian aging model (n = 10). We found that Tre significantly reversed ovarian weight loss and reduced the number of TUNEL-positive granulosa cells caused by D-gal in mouse ovaries. Tre elevated the protein expression levels of LC3-II, Parkin, PINK1, Beclin1, and LAMP2 in ovaries. Mitochondrial-related proteins TOM20 and COX IV expression levels were increased by Tre administration. In vitro studies further supported these findings, showing that Tre treatment significantly reduced the number of SA-β-gal and PI-positive cells, and decreased ROS levels in cultured granulosa cells. Thus, Tre alleviates ovarian aging by activating mitophagy and reducing oxidative stress, suggesting its potential as an anti-aging agent for ovarian health.
Insights
Trehalose (Tre) can reverse ovarian aging in mice by activating mitophagy and reducing oxidative stress. This natural compound shows potential for improving ovarian health and combating age-related reproductive decline.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cellular Aging
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ovarian aging reduces female fertility, linked to oxidative stress and impaired autophagy.
- Trehalose (Tre) is known for its autophagy-activating and antioxidant properties.
- The efficacy of Tre in mitigating ovarian aging is not yet established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-aging effects of Tre on the ovary.
- To explore the mechanisms by which Tre influences ovarian aging in vivo and in vitro.
Main Methods:
- An ovarian aging mouse model was established using D-galactose administration.
- Trehalose treatment was administered to aged mice and cultured granulosa cells.
- Key markers of autophagy, mitophagy, oxidative stress, and cell death were assessed.
Main Results:
- Trehalose reversed D-galactose-induced ovarian weight loss and reduced granulosa cell apoptosis.
- Tre elevated autophagy and mitophagy markers (LC3-II, Parkin, PINK1, Beclin1, LAMP2) and mitochondrial proteins (TOM20, COX IV).
- In vitro, Tre reduced senescence markers (SA-β-gal) and cell death (PI), and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.
Conclusions:
- Trehalose alleviates ovarian aging by enhancing mitophagy and combating oxidative stress.
- Tre demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for improving ovarian health and function.
