Epigalocatequina-3-galato (EGCG) melhora a maturação in vitro de oócitos ovinos

This study evaluated the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in ovine oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) medium. Oocytes were assigned to IVM in four experimental groups: CON, composed of TCM-199 supplemented with 500 IU penicillin, 0.5 mg streptomycin, 1.25 µg amphotericin B, 0.2 mM sodium pyruvate, 10 % (v/v) FBS, and 15 IU/mL eCG; and the EGCG25, EGCG50, and EGCG100 groups, where they were matured in the same medium as the CON group, supplemented with 25 µM, 50 µM, and 100 µM EGCG, respectively. At the end of the maturation period, 1.053 oocytes were used for evaluation of cumulus cell expansion, chromatin configuration, and quantification of active mitochondria, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glutathione (GSH) levels. 391 oocytes was used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro embryo culture (IVC). The results showed that the EGCG50 group had higher rates of MII, active mitochondria, and GSH than the other groups, as well as a higher cleavage rate than the CON group. In conclusion, a concentration of 50 µM EGCG improves oocyte maturation rate and in vitro ovine embryo production.