Uterine Insulin Sensitivity Defects Induced Embryo Implantation Loss Associated with Mitochondrial Dysfunction-Triggered Oxidative Stress

Figure 6

High-fat-induced-uterine insulin resistance beginning before pregnancy altered uterine mitochondrial function, leading to oxidative stress during the peri-implantation period in mice. Female mice fed with a CON diet or HFD for 16 weeks were mated with normal male mice. The day when vaginal plug was observed was considered as day 1 of pregnancy. Uterine samples were collected on day 5 of pregnancy. Uterine mtDNA copy number (a, ), mitochondrial fission, and fusion genes (b, ) were evaluated by qPCR. OXPHOS complex protein expressions were determined by western blotting with quantitation (c, ). (d) Uterine ROS levels were determined using the DCFA-DA kit (). (e, f) Proteins involved in oxidative response (e) and defense (f) signaling pathway were determined by western blotting with quantitation. Student’s test was used for statistical analysis. and . CON: control; HFD: high-fat diet.

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