Kun Mao, Hao-Zhe Yan, Jia-Qi Yang, Zi-Xin Yin, Xin-Qi Gao, Hao-Fu Liu, Heng Su, Yuan-Yuan Geng, Pan Ge, Dang-Xia Zhou
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: To investigate the mechanisms of toxicological damage of formaldehyde to the female reproductive system METHODS: A Mendelian randomization method was used to predict a causal relationship between ferroptosis genes and female infertility. Changes in the structure and function of rat ovaries were observed by HE staining and transmission electron microscopy. Combined with molecular experiments, we verified the alterations of GSH, iron ions, MDA levels, and the expression of ferroptosis genes.
Results: Mendelian randomization suggested a significant causal relationship between ATG7 and female infertility. Animal experiments showed that formaldehyde caused abnormal follicular maturation and ovarian mitochondrial alterations. Meanwhile, formaldehyde induced elevated levels of iron ions and MDA and decreased GSH levels. Further detection by Western blotting and qRT-PCR revealed that the expression of the ferroptosis marker gene GPX4 decreased and ATG7 increased in the ovary after formaldehyde stimulation.
Conclusions: Formaldehyde affected the structure and physiological function of rat ovary by activating the expression level of ATG7 and inhibiting the activity of GPX4, which caused iron overload and elevated levels of peroxides, leading to the occurrence of ferroptosis in ovarian tissue.
期刊介绍:
Drawing from a large number of disciplines, Reproductive Toxicology publishes timely, original research on the influence of chemical and physical agents on reproduction. Written by and for obstetricians, pediatricians, embryologists, teratologists, geneticists, toxicologists, andrologists, and others interested in detecting potential reproductive hazards, the journal is a forum for communication among researchers and practitioners. Articles focus on the application of in vitro, animal and clinical research to the practice of clinical medicine.
All aspects of reproduction are within the scope of Reproductive Toxicology, including the formation and maturation of male and female gametes, sexual function, the events surrounding the fusion of gametes and the development of the fertilized ovum, nourishment and transport of the conceptus within the genital tract, implantation, embryogenesis, intrauterine growth, placentation and placental function, parturition, lactation and neonatal survival. Adverse reproductive effects in males will be considered as significant as adverse effects occurring in females. To provide a balanced presentation of approaches, equal emphasis will be given to clinical and animal or in vitro work. Typical end points that will be studied by contributors include infertility, sexual dysfunction, spontaneous abortion, malformations, abnormal histogenesis, stillbirth, intrauterine growth retardation, prematurity, behavioral abnormalities, and perinatal mortality.