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

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.

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.

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.

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.