Abatement of the Stimulatory Effect of Copper Nanoparticles Supported on Titania on Ovarian Cell Functions by Some Plants and Phytochemicals

Abstract

The application of nanoparticles has experienced a vertiginous growth, but their interaction with food and medicinal plants in organisms, especially in the control of reproduction, remains unresolved. We examined the influence of copper nanoparticles supported on titania (CuNPs/TiO2), plant extracts (buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)), phytochemicals (rutin and apigenin), and their combination with CuNPs/TiO2 on ovarian cell functions, using cultured porcine ovarian granulosa cells. Cell viability, proliferation (PCNA accumulation), apoptosis (accumulation of bax), and hormones release (progesterone, testosterone, and 17β-estradiol) were analyzed by the Trypan blue test, quantitative immunocytochemistry, and ELISA, respectively. CuNPs/TiO2 increased cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and testosterone but not progesterone release, and reduced the 17β-estradiol output. Plant extracts and components have similar stimulatory action on ovarian cell functions as CuNPs/TiO2, but abated the majority of the CuNPs/TiO2 effects. This study concludes that (1) CuNPs/TiO2 can directly stimulate ovarian cell functions, promoting ovarian cell proliferation, apoptosis, turnover, viability, and steroid hormones release; (2) the plants buckwheat and vitex, as well as rutin and apigenin, can promote some of these ovarian functions too; and (3) these plant additives mitigate the CuNPs/TiO2’s activity, something that must be considered when applied together.

Black Elder and Its Constituents: Molecular Mechanisms of Action Associated with Female Reproduction

“…The comparison of the effects of elderberry extract and rutin showed the similar effects for the extracts and its major component. In experiments of Sirotkin et al [8,89], the addition of rutin was found to increase the viability of cultured porcine ovarian granulosa cells, although this effect was not associated with changes in the accumulation of markers of proliferation (accumulation of PCNA) and cytoplasmic apoptosis (Bax). In vivo experiments, like in vitro ones, demonstrated the stimulatory action of rutin on rat ovarian cell health and ovarian folliculogenesis [90,91].…”

“…In vivo and in vitro studies on rats demonstrated the ability of rutin to promote the plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) level, expression of ovarian follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptors, steroidogenic enzymes, ovarian folliculogenesis and fecundity [90,91]. In in vitro experiments with cultured porcine granulosa cells, the addition of rutin was able to promote 17β-estradiol and testosterone, but not progesterone release [8,89,97]. It is not to be excluded that the increase in granulosa cell viability under the influence of elderberry extract could be due to the upregulation of estradiol, a known promoter of ovarian cell viability and ovarian folliculogenesis [98].…”

“…The direct action of the elderberry extract on reproductive organs and the ability to affect cultured ovarian [26] and embryonal trophoblast [57] cells was demonstrated. Moreover, the elderberry constituents, such as rutin [8,89,92,93], anthocyanins [94][95][96], and agglutinins [33] directly influence the viability, proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cells.…”

Positive effects of rutin on female reproduction

“…In some experiments of Sirotkin, Radosová, et al. (2020); Sirotkin et al. (2021) addition of rutin increased the viability of cultured porcine ovarian granulosa cells, although this effect was not associated with changes in accumulation of markers of proliferation (accumulation of PCNA) and cytoplasmic apoptosis (bax).…”

Copper Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Characterization, Physiology, Toxicity and Antimicrobial Applications

“…Most recently, Copper nanoparticles have also been studied in rapport with animals, namely how copper nanoparticles supported on titania might impact and influence the porcine ovarian cells [79]. The study concluded that the copper nanoparticles not only had a benefic impact on the granulosa ovarian cells, but also increased ovarian cell proliferation, turnover, viability and hormone release.…”