Effect of Leptin and IGF-I Supplementation on in vitro Maturation and Expression of Apoptotic Genes in Goat Oocytes

Abstract

Background: The quality of gametes is a crucial factor for the successful development of an embryo. The potential of oocyte development is acquired during oogenesis by many changes at the molecular and cellular levels. The present study explores the effect of leptin and IGF-I supplementation on in vitro oocyte maturation and the expression of apoptotic genes in matured goat oocytes. Methods: In vitro maturation of abattoir-derived oocytes was in maturation media having supplements as the group I (control), group II (leptin 20 ng/ml) and group III (IGF-I 100 ng/ml). From these oocytes, RNA was isolated and expressions of apoptotic genes were studied. Result: There was no significant difference found between cumulus expansion and also in nuclear maturation in groups I, II, III. The relative expression of BAX gene was 0.65 fold lower in group II and 0.42 fold lower in group III as compared to group I whereas relative expression of Mcl-1 gene was 2.55 fold higher in group II and 0.31 fold lower in group III as compared to group I.