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Updated: May 27, 2025
Culture and Co-Culture of Mouse Ovaries and Ovarian Follicles
Published on: March 17, 2015
Iodoacetamide triggers ovarian dysfunction in mice through TGF-β signaling pathway and apoptosis
Chenyu Xiao1, Qianru Li1, Meiqi Li2
1Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China.
Abstract:
Iodoacetamide (IAcAm) is a harmful disinfection by-product. Studies have demonstrated that IAcAm can produce toxic effects in various tissues; however, its effect on female reproductive function remains unclear. To explore the effects of IAcAm on ovaries, we constructed a female mouse IAcAm toxicity model of free drinking model. The findings indicated that IAcAm exposure for five weeks did not affect the body growth of mice but increased the ovary/body weight ratio. At the tissue level, the numbers of atretic follicles increased. After the exposure, ovarian and blood samples were collected for analysis. IAcAm exposure caused changes in serum sex hormone levels, with an increase in follicle-stimulating hormone concentration(follicle-stimulating hormone) and a decrease in anti-Müllerian hormone concentration (anti-Müllerian hormone). Subsequent investigations revealed that IAcAm activated the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway and promoted ovarian fibrosis in mice. Simultaneously, IAcAm stimulated the granulosa cell apoptosis pathway and promoted granulosa cell apoptosis. Moreover, IAcAm interfered with mitochondrial function and increased reactive oxygen species, leading to a decrease in oocyte developmental potential. In conclusion, IAcAm exposure causes ovarian inflammation and leads to mitochondrial dysfunction in oocytes, affecting follicle maturation and reducing oocyte quality.
Insights
Iodoacetamide (IAcAm) exposure harms female reproduction by causing ovarian inflammation and dysfunction. This disinfection byproduct impairs follicle maturation and reduces oocyte quality in mice.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Iodoacetamide (IAcAm) is a toxic disinfection byproduct with known effects on various tissues.
- The impact of IAcAm on female reproductive function, particularly ovarian health, is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of IAcAm exposure on the ovaries of female mice.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of IAcAm-induced reproductive toxicity.
Main Methods:
- A female mouse model was established by providing free access to IAcAm in drinking water for five weeks.
- Ovarian and serum samples were analyzed for histological changes, sex hormone levels, gene expression, and mitochondrial function.
Main Results:
- IAcAm exposure increased the ovary-to-body weight ratio and the number of atretic follicles.
- Serum analysis revealed altered levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH).
- IAcAm activated the TGF-β signaling pathway, induced ovarian fibrosis, promoted granulosa cell apoptosis, impaired mitochondrial function, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), ultimately decreasing oocyte developmental potential.
Conclusions:
- IAcAm exposure induces ovarian inflammation and fibrosis in mice.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress in oocytes contribute to reduced oocyte quality and developmental potential.
- IAcAm poses a significant risk to female reproductive health.
