Copper pyrithione exposure-induced copper accumulation compromises mouse oocyte maturation

Copper exhibited serious toxicity while its accumulation was beyond the physiological threshold. Copper pyrithione (CPT) consists of two PT molecules and copper, is a new generation booster anti-fouling biocides agent widespread globally. The potential harmful impacts of CPT whether via copper accumulation have raised concern among people. Research has identified copper exposure caused deleterious effects on reproduction systems. Nevertheless, environmental-related concentrations of CPT exposure effects on female reproduction, especially the oocyte maturation and quality are still unclear. Herein, in this study, we documented the adverse effects of environmental-related concentration CPT exposure on oocyte maturation. The results displayed that CPT exposure significantly increased copper concentrations in oocytes and compromised oocyte maturation via disturbing organelles function, further elevating the level of ROS and triggering apoptosis. Detection of cytoskeletal dynamics revealed that CPT exposure decreased the acetylation level of α-tubulin and destroyed actin filaments construction, further induced the aberrant spindle apparatus and ultimately caused the oocyte maturation failure. Furthermore, CPT exposure altered the status of epigenetic modification in oocytes. Moreover, AmmoinumTetramolybdate (TTM) supplementation efficiently ameliorated the quality and maturation of CPT-treated oocytes through chelating intracellular copper. In summary, environmental-related concentration CPT exposure damaged oocyte maturation and quality in vitro via copper accumulation.