Oxidative stress and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced alterations in metaphase II mouse oocyte spindle structure.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of exogenous exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha on mouse metaphase II (MII) oocyte spindle structure and to examine the potential benefits of supplementing the culture media with vitamin C.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Research laboratory in a tertiary hospital.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Microtubule changes and alterations in chromosomal alignment.


RESULTS
Both concentration- and time-dependent alterations were seen in spindle structure after exposure to H(2)O(2). An H(2)O(2) concentration as low as 12.5 microM increased the odds of an oocyte with altered microtubule and chromosome alignment (score >or=3) by 93%. Significantly increased damage was seen with increasing period of incubation. Higher scores were seen after exposure to both TNF-alpha alone and in combination with H(2)O(2) compared with controls. Changes in chromosomal alignment were comparable among the three groups. Oocytes coincubated with H(2)O(2) and vitamin C at 200 microM demonstrated less damage compared with those with H(2)O(2) alone.


CONCLUSIONS
Oxidative stress results in concentration and time-dependent alterations in the spindle structure and augments the effects induced by TNF-alpha. Proper oocyte handling in vitro may help reduce oxidative insult, thus improving the oocyte quality. Antioxidants may have a protective effect and need to be further evaluated.
Choi
Won-Jun
WJ
Reproductive Research Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
Banerjee
Jashoman
J
Falcone
Tommaso
T
Bena
James
J
Agarwal
Ashok
A
Sharma
Rakesh K
RK
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000633:toxicity; D008677:Metaphase / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D009865:Oocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D008941:Spindle Apparatus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000633:toxicity*
D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide