Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 13, 2026
A Modified Co-Culture System for Understanding Granulosa-Theca Cell Interactions in the Bovine Ovary
Published on: September 19, 2025
Fine Particulate Matter (PM) Effects on Swine Granulosa and Ovarian Endothelial Cells
Giuseppina Basini1, Roberto Ramoni1, Stefano Grolli1
1Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy.
Abstract:
We studied fine particulate matter (PM) effects on porcine granulosa, a model of endocrine reproductive cells, and on ovarian endothelial cells. PM produced a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in metabolic activity. PM reduced endothelial cell proliferation (p < 0.001). As for redox status, superoxide anion (O2-) production by granulosa was reduced (p < 0.05) by PM, while it was increased in endothelial cells (p < 0.001). PM increased (p < 0.001) nitric oxide (NO) levels in granulosa, while in endothelial cells, it displayed a biphasic effect (p < 0.05) as well as for superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) in granulosa cells (p < 0.001). In endothelial cells, PM increased (p < 0.001) SOD. A reduction in Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) (p < 0.01) was observed. In granulosa, PM did not induce oxidative damage to DNA, while in endothelial cells, it determined a reduction (p < 0.05). PM significantly inhibited steroidogenesis (p < 0.05). The accumulation of autophagic vacuoles and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) production was increased (p < 0.05) by PM. The data obtained likely demonstrate that PM induces critical effects on ovarian cells.
Insights
Fine particulate matter (PM) negatively impacts ovarian cells, reducing metabolic activity and steroidogenesis. PM also alters redox status and increases autophagic vacuoles and VEGF production in these reproductive cells.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Environmental toxicology
- Cellular toxicology
Background:
- Fine particulate matter (PM) is a widespread environmental pollutant.
- Ovarian cells, including granulosa and endothelial cells, are crucial for reproductive function.
- Understanding PM's impact on ovarian cells is vital for reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of PM on porcine granulosa cells and ovarian endothelial cells.
- To assess PM's influence on cellular metabolism, proliferation, redox status, and steroidogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of porcine granulosa and ovarian endothelial cells to PM.
- Assays for metabolic activity, cell proliferation, and redox status (superoxide anion, nitric oxide, SOD, FRAP).
- Evaluation of DNA oxidative damage, steroidogenesis, autophagic vacuoles, and VEGF production.
Main Results:
- PM significantly decreased metabolic activity and endothelial cell proliferation.
- PM altered redox balance, increasing nitric oxide in granulosa cells and superoxide anion in endothelial cells.
- PM inhibited steroidogenesis, increased autophagic vacuoles and VEGF, and caused DNA damage in endothelial cells.
Conclusions:
- PM exerts critical detrimental effects on ovarian cells.
- PM-induced cellular dysfunction may contribute to reproductive health issues.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of PM toxicity in the ovary.
