Effects and Mechanisms of Imperatorin on Vitrified Mouse Oocytes

Simple SummaryWhen precious species are about to die out or excellent strains need to be preserved, we want to use technology to preserve their gametes so that they can be used directly when needed in the future. The damage caused by vitrification of frozen oocytes needs to be addressed. In this study, the damage to oocytes caused by freezing was minimized by natural chemicals. The results showed that imperatorin reduced the level of oxidative stress and increased mitochondrial activity in mouse oocytes after vitrification freezing. In conclusion, the addition of imperatorin to vitrification freezing solution improved the activity of frozen mouse oocytes and provided new perspectives for the improvement of vitrification freezing technology.Imperatorin (IMP) is a naturally occurring furanocoumarin with beneficial biological activities such as anticancer, antioxidant, and neuromodulatory properties. Currently, the protective effects and mechanisms of IMP on oxidative stress experienced by mouse oocytes after vitrification–thawing remain unclear. To investigate the influence of IMP on mouse oocyte development after vitrification–thawing, we added different concentrations of IMP to the vitrification and thawing media. Results indicated that the addition of 40 μM IMP enhanced post-thaw fertilization capacity, reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and increased intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels. IMP also improved mitochondrial health by alleviating the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and enhancing mitochondrial distribution. IMP reduced intracellular ROS levels by affecting the transcription of the antioxidant genesSOD2,NRF2, andHO-1and enhancing SOD activity. It also elevated GSH levels viaGPX1, improved mitochondrial function, and decreased early apoptosis throughBcl-2.In conclusion, IMP enhanced ovum health through the alleviation of oxidative stress. The present study provides useful information for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms of IMP in female reproductive cells and offers a novel approach for the improvement of vitrification technology.