Expression of Apoptosis-Related Genes in Cultured Ovarian Tissue of Mouse in Presence of Coenzyme Q10

Shayesteh  Behnam; Saeed  Zavareh; Mojdeh Salehnia

doi:10.18502/jfrh.v17i2.12868

Shayesteh Behnam Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Saeed Zavareh School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran
Mojdeh Salehnia Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jfrh.v17i2.12868

Keywords: Apoptosis; Coenzyme Q10; In Vitro Culture; Ovarian Tissue

Abstract

Objective: Oxidative stress affects the development of ovarian follicles during in vitro culture thus applying an antioxidant is necessary. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) on the expression of apoptosis-related genes of mouse ovaries during in vitro culture.

Materials and methods: The immature mouse ovaries were cultured in the presence of 50 μM CoQ₁₀ for 7 days. Histological examinations were performed and the 17 beta-estradiol concentration was measured on the seventh day of culture. The relative expression of Caspase 3, Bax, Bad, and Bcl 2 genes were investigated by real-time RT-PCR.

Results: The rates of normal follicles in the presence of CoQ₁₀ was significantly increased compared to the control group. Also, in CoQ₁₀-trated group a significant increase in the level of 17 beta-estradiol was seen compared to the control group. The mRNA expression of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2 was significantly increased while the expression of pro-apoptotic genes (Caspase3, Bax and Bad) significantly declined in CoQ₁₀ treated group compared to those of control group.

Conclusion: The supplementation of the ovarian culture media with CoQ₁₀ improved the follicular development through alteration in expression of apoptosis-related genes and stimulated the production of estradiol.