Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the main virulence factor of gram-negative bacteria, severely impairs the function of the female reproductive system. It has especially harmful effects on oocytes and subsequent embryonic development. The use of active plant substances to ameliorate the damage caused by LPS exposure is a strategy worthy of attention. In this study, porcine oocytes were used to investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of allicin, an extract derived from garlic, on LPS-exposed oocytes in vitro. Our data indicated that supplementation with 1 μM allicin significantly attenuated the LPS-mediated reductions in the first polar body extrusion rate and the subsequent blastocyst formation rate. Allicin also mitigated the abnormalities in spindle assembly, chromosome alignment, actin polymerization, and cortical granule distribution caused by LPS exposure. Furthermore, allicin restored reactive oxygen species (ROS), early apoptosis and autophagy to normal physiological levels in LPS-exposed oocytes. In conclusion, our findings confirm that allicin can protect oocytes against LPS-induced damage. The results of this study will help promote the application of plant-derived bioactive substances to ameliorate oocyte maturation defects.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
