Melatonin Supplementation during In Vitro Maturation of Porcine Oocytes Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Induced by Imidacloprid Exposure

Abstract

Imidacloprid (IMI) is an endogenous neonicotinoid insecticide widely used in agriculture and has attracted researchers’ attention because of its risks to the environment and human health. Melatonin (MT) is an antioxidant hormone produced by the pineal gland of the brain. Studies have shown that it has a variety of physiological functions and plays a crucial role in the development of animal germ cells and embryos. The potential protective effects of MT against oocyte damage caused by neonicotinoid pesticide toxicity remain unclear. In this study, we report the toxicity of IMI against, and its effects on the quality of, porcine oocytes and the protective effect of MT on IMI-exposed oocytes. The results show that IMI exposure adversely affected oocyte maturation, while MT supplementation ameliorated its toxic effects. Specifically, IMI exposure increased oxidative stress (OS), endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and apoptosis, which may affect polar body expulsion rates and blastocyst formation. Also, IMI exposure reduced oocyte cleavage rates and the number of cells in blastocysts. However, all of these toxic effects can be restored after a melatonin supplementation treatment. In conclusion, these results suggest that melatonin has a protective effect on IMI-induced defects during porcine oocyte maturation.

Melatonin’s effect on hair follicles in a goat (Capra hircus) animal model

“…Adding melatonin in vitro can promote oocyte development in humans ( 14 ), mice ( 46 ), bovines ( 47 ), sheep ( 48 ), and swine ( 49 ). Our network meta-analysis results also showed that melatonin could promote goat oocyte development in vitro .…”

Supplementation with Eupatilin during In Vitro Maturation Improves Porcine Oocyte Developmental Competence by Regulating Oxidative Stress and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

“…The porcine ovaries were obtained from local slaughterhouses and promptly transported to the laboratory within 3 h in a sterile solution of 0.9% saline containing 1% penicillin-streptomycin at a controlled temperature of 30-35 • C. The follicles, ranging from 3 to 6 mm in diameter, were aspirated using a 10 mL syringe equipped with an 18-gauge needle. The IVM of porcine oocytes was conducted following a previously documented protocol [15]. Briefly, cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected under a stereomicroscope if they had three or more uniformly distributed layers of cumulus cells, and were then subjected to 44 h of in vitro cultivation.…”

“…Following the removal of cumulus cells, as previously described in our research, the detached oocytes underwent a PA procedure [15]. In brief, oocytes were activated by the application of two direct current pulses at a voltage of 120 V for a duration of 60 µs.…”

Role of IRE1α/XBP1/CHOP/NLRP3 Signalling Pathway in Neonicotinoid Imidacloprid-Induced Pancreatic Dysfunction in Rats and Antagonism of Lycopene: In Vivo and Molecular Docking Simulation Approaches

“…It is not synthesized by the body and can only be obtained through dietary consumption [15]. According to Milani et al, lycopene exhibits antioxidant properties by scavenging O2 and OH-, thereby reducing the risk of oxidative stress-related chronic illnesses such as cancer, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and pancreatic disorders [16,17]. Furthermore, it inhibits oxidative stress and inflammation by suppressing the NF-κB pathway [18].…”