2. Academic Validation
  3. Near-infrared fluorophore IR-61 delays postovulatory aging of mouse oocytes through suppressing oxidative stress mediated by mitochondrial protection

Near-infrared fluorophore IR-61 delays postovulatory aging of mouse oocytes through suppressing oxidative stress mediated by mitochondrial protection

  • FASEB J. 2023 Jul;37(7):e23045. doi: 10.1096/fj.202300066RR.
Jiadan Qu 1 2,  Yunyao Luo 1 2,  Lifeng Qin 3,  Jing Guo 4,  Ling Zhu 1 2,  Chong Li 1 2,  Juan Xie 1 2,  Chunmeng Shi 5,  Guoning Huang 1 2,  Jingyu Li 1 2
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
  • 2 Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China.
  • 3 College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.
  • 4 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.
  • 5 Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
PMID: 37342892 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300066RR
Abstract

Postovulatory aging can trigger deterioration of oocyte quality and subsequent embryonic development, and thus reduce the success rates of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The molecular mechanisms underlying postovulatory aging, and preventative strategies, remain to be explored. The near-infrared fluorophore IR-61, a novel heptamethine cyanine dye, has the potential for mitochondrial targeting and cell protection. In this study, we found that IR-61 accumulated in oocyte mitochondria and reduced the postovulatory aging-induced decline in mitochondrial function, including mitochondrial distribution, membrane potential, mtDNA number, ATP levels, and mitochondrial ultrastructure. In addition, IR-61 rescued postovulatory aging-caused oocyte fragmentation, defects in spindle structure, and embryonic developmental potential. RNA sequencing analysis indicated that the postovulatory aging-induced oxidative stress pathway might be inhibited by IR-61. We then confirmed that IR-61 decreased the levels of Reactive Oxygen Species and MitoSOX, and increased GSH content in aged oocytes. Collectively, the results indicate that IR-61 may prevent postovulatory aging by rescuing oocyte quality, promoting successful rate in ART procedure.

Keywords

IR-61; mitochondria; oocyte quality; oxidative stress; postovulatory aging.

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