Flavopiridol inhibits oocyte maturation, reduces oocyte quality and blocks cumulus cell function

Flavopiridol (FP) is a plant-derived flavonoidis and used to treat cancers, fungal infections and inflammation-related diseases. However, it is not clear whether it has side effects on the female reproductive system. In this study, we aimed to investigate the toxic effects and potential underlying mechanisms of FP on oocyte maturation and cumulus cell expansion in mice. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured in vitro with FP of gradient concentration (50–1000 nM), according to the plasma concentration of FP in the clinical trial. The maturation rate and cumulus expansion index of oocytes were counted and studied by immunofluorescence staining, qRT-PCR, oocyte chromosome preparation and so on. The results showed that the FP-exposed COCs inhibited the oocyte maturation and cumulus cell expansion, leading to cell apoptosis in a dose dependent way. Oocytes exposed to 500 nM FP showed abnormalities in the spindle structure and chromosome arrangement, ultimately leading to the oocyte maturation arrest and aneuploidy. This may be due to the excessive oxidative stress caused by mitochondrial membrane potential damage and mislocalization. Therefore, when FP is used for cancer treatment, its side effects on the female reproductive system should be seriously considered.