Journal of Veterinary Science

The Korean Society of Veterinary Science (대한수의학회)
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Antioxidant effect of ergothioneine on in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes

  • Ji-Young Jeong (Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Lian Cai (Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Mirae Kim (Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Hyerin Choi (Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Dongjin, Oh (Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Ali Jawad (Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Sohee Kim (Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Haomiao Zheng (Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Eunsong Lee (College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University) ;
  • Joohyeong Lee (Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Sang-Hwan, Hyun (Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University)
  • Received : 2022.08.09
  • Accepted : 2023.01.05
  • Published : 2023.03.31
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Abstract

Background: Ergothioneine (EGT) is a natural amino acid derivative in various animal organs and is a bioactive compound recognized as a food and medicine. Objectives: This study examined the effects of EGT supplementation during the in vitro maturation (IVM) period on porcine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development competence after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: Each EGT concentration (0, 10, 50, and 100 μM) was supplemented in the maturation medium during IVM. After IVM, nuclear maturation, intracellular glutathione (GSH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of oocytes were investigated. In addition, the genes related to cumulus function and antioxidant pathways in oocytes or cumulus cells were investigated. Finally, this study examined whether EGT could affect embryonic development after IVF. Results: After IVM, the EGT supplementation group showed significantly higher intracellular GSH levels and significantly lower intracellular ROS levels than the control group. Moreover, the expression levels of hyaluronan synthase 2 and Connexin 43 were significantly higher in the 10 μM EGT group than in the control group. The expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) were significantly higher in the oocytes of the 10 μM EGT group than in the control group. In the assessment of subsequent embryonic development after IVF, the 10 μM EGT treatment group improved the cleavage and blastocyst rate significantly than the control group. Conclusions: Supplementation of EGT improved oocyte maturation and embryonic development by reducing oxidative stress in IVM oocytes.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors appreciate Mrs. Suin Lee and Mrs. Eunjeong Kim for their support with several techniques and ovary sampling.

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