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Graphene Oxide Nanosheets Induce Mitochondrial Toxicity in Human Ovarian Granulosa Cells: Implications for Female
Min Li1, Hedong Lu1, Chunya Ye1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, People's Republic of China.
Purpose:
Graphene oxide (GO) has promising biomedical applications, but its potential toxicity to the female reproductive system is underexplored. This study investigates the short-term effects of a single dose of GO nanosheets on human ovarian granulosa cells, focusing on mitochondrial damage.
Materials And Methods:
First, cell viability was detected by CCK-8 and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry to assess the cytotoxicity of GO on KGN. Second, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and mitochondrial morphology were observed by confocal microscopy, mitochondrial and sub-mitochondrial structure by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), quantitative analysis of ATP and mitochondrial complex I enzyme activity by luminosity value and autophagy by flow cytometry to assess the mitochondrial toxicity of GO on KGN cells.
Results:
The 72h half-maximum effective concentration (EC50) value of GO was determined to be 29.73 μg/mL. GO induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner, with significant effects on cell viability even at low doses (1 μg/mL). Exposure to low GO concentrations resulted in abnormal mitochondrial morphology and function, including mitochondrial breakage, membrane damage, reduced mitochondrial cristae, enhanced autophagy, decreased ATP production, decreased MMP, and decreased enzymatic activity of mitochondrial complex I. Mitochondrial function returned to normal levels on day 7 after KGN cells left the GO-exposed environment.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that short-term exposure to low-dose GO causes mitochondrial damage in human ovarian granulosa cells, highlighting the need for further research on the safety of GO, particularly regarding its potential effects on reproductive health. However, GO-induced transient mitochondrial damage is highly likely to negatively affect ovarian reserve function, which needs to be further verified in animal models.
Insights
Graphene oxide (GO) causes short-term mitochondrial damage in human ovarian cells, impacting viability and function. Recovery was observed after GO removal, but potential effects on ovarian reserve warrant further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Nanotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Reproductive Toxicology
Background:
- Graphene oxide (GO) shows promise for biomedical uses.
- Its effects on the female reproductive system, especially ovarian cells, are not well understood.
- Investigating GO's impact on ovarian granulosa cells is crucial for assessing reproductive safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the short-term toxicity of graphene oxide (GO) on human ovarian granulosa cells (KGN).
- To specifically examine the effects of GO on mitochondrial structure and function.
- To determine the dose-dependent cytotoxicity and recovery patterns of GO exposure.
Main Methods:
- Cell viability (CCK-8) and apoptosis (flow cytometry) assays were performed.
- Mitochondrial function was assessed via reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and morphology (confocal microscopy).
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ATP assays, mitochondrial complex I activity, and autophagy analysis were utilized to evaluate mitochondrial toxicity.
Main Results:
- The 72-hour EC50 for GO was 29.73 μg/mL, with effects on viability observed even at 1 μg/mL.
- Low GO concentrations induced mitochondrial damage, including morphological changes, reduced ATP production, decreased MMP, and impaired complex I activity.
- Mitochondrial function and cell health recovered within 7 days after GO exposure ceased.
Conclusions:
- Short-term, low-dose GO exposure induces transient mitochondrial damage in human ovarian granulosa cells.
- This damage highlights potential risks to reproductive health, necessitating further safety research.
- The impact on ovarian reserve function requires verification in animal models.
