Di(n-butyl) phthalate exposure impairs meiotic competence and development of mouse oocyte.

Abstract Di(n- butyl) phthalate (DBP) is extensively used in industrial applications as plasticizer and stabilizer and its presence in the environment may present health risks for human. Previous studies have demonstrated its mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic ability. However, its effect on mammalian oocyte maturation remains unknown. In this study, we examined the effect of DBP on oocyte maturation both in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that DBP could significantly reduce mice oocyte germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and polar body extrusion (PBE) rates. In addition, oocyte cytoskeleton was damaged and cortical granule-free domains (CGFDs) were also disrupted. Finally, DBP induced early apoptosis of oocyte and granulosa cells (GCs). Collectively, these data demonstrate that DBP could reduce meiosis competence and mouse oocyte development. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • DBP could reduce meiosis competence and mice oocyte development. • DBP reduce mice oocyte meiosis and development, induced oocyte early apoptosis. • DBP effects on oocyte maturation both in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]