L-epicatechin partially alleviates Ochratoxin A–induced oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress and improves developmental competence of porcine embryos during in vitro culture

Abstract

Ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium species, is commonly found in various food products and is known to cause oxidative stress. It also exhibits embryotoxic effects in several animals, including pigs. In porcine in vitro embryo production (IVP), Oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are key factors that impair embryo development and quality. This study evaluated the effects of L-epicatechin (L-E), a natural polyphenol, on embryonic development under OTA-induced stress in a porcine model. Supplementation with L-E significantly improved cleavage and blastocyst formation rates, reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and increased glutathione (GSH) levels as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). In addition, L-E maintained mitochondrial membrane potential, enhanced mitochondrial activity, and partially restored ATP production. ER stress-related markers, including sXBP1, GRP78, and CHOP, were downregulated in embryos treated with L-E. These results suggest that 1 mg/L of L-E partially mitigates OTA-induced cellular stress and promotes embryo viability by regulating oxidative balance, organelle function, and apoptosis. L-E may serve as a beneficial additive to improve culture conditions and developmental outcomes in porcine IVP systems.