Luteolin supplementation during porcine oocyte maturation improves the developmental competence of parthenogenetic activation and cloned embryos

Abstract

Luteolin (Lut), a polyphenolic compound that belongs to the flavone subclass of flavonoids, possesses anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and antioxidant activities. However, little is known regarding its role in mammalian oocyte maturation. This study examined the effect of Lut supplementation during in vitro maturation (IVM) on oocyte maturation and subsequent developmental competence after somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in pigs. Lut supplementation significantly increased the proportions of complete cumulus cell expansion and metaphase II (MII) oocytes, compared with control oocytes. After parthenogenetic activation or SCNT, the developmental competence of Lut-supplemented MII oocytes was significantly enhanced, as indicated by higher rates of cleavage, blastocyst formation, expanded or hatching blastocysts, and cell survival, as well as increased cell numbers. Lut-supplemented MII oocytes exhibited significantly lower levels of reactive oxygen species and higher levels of glutathione than control MII oocytes. Lut supplementation also activated lipid metabolism, assessed according to the levels of lipid droplets, fatty acids, and ATP. The active mitochondria content and mitochondrial membrane potential were significantly increased, whereas cytochrome c and cleaved caspase-3 levels were significantly decreased, by Lut supplementation. These results suggest that Lut supplementation during IVM improves porcine oocyte maturation through the reduction of oxidative stress and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis.

Obesity and its impact on female reproductive health: unraveling the connections

“…Mitochondria, cellular powerhouses, play pivotal roles in a plethora of physiological processes, including oocyte maturation and embryonic development ( 56 ). However, obesity can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction.…”

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“…Furthermore, LUT improved oocyte developmental capacity, enhanced mitochondrial active content and mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as alleviated reactive oxygen species, cytochrome c, and lysed caspase 3 levels, while upregulating GSH levels. LUT also improved the maturation of porcine oocytes (IVM medium, 38.5°C, 5% CO 2 ) by activating lipid metabolism (Jeong et al, 2023). Subsequent studies found that LUT downregulated the expression of ER stress protein GRP78 and lysosomal protein LAMP1, enhanced the level of Golgi complex protein GOLPH3, activated senescence of SIRT1 oocytes, and regulated the distribution and function of organelles (Xing et al, 2023).…”