Effect of the expression of uncoupling protein 2 on the antioxidant capability of granulosa cells

Objective To investigate the effect of the expression of uncoupling protein 2(UCP2)on the antioxidant capability of granulosa cells. Methods Human granulosa cells were cultured in vitro and then continued to grow with hydroperoxide of 0.25 mmol/L and ATP of 1 mmol/L for 24 hours. The expression of UCP2 was detected by Western blot and the apoptotic rate of the cells by flow cytometry. Results Hydroperoxide obviously induced the expression of UCP2 in the granulosa cells cultured in vitro while ATP inhibited such expression, resulting in an increase in the apoptotic rate as compared with the controls and in a decrease in the antioxidant capability the cells. Conclusions UCP2 regulates the levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species via a mechanism of negative feedback and is involved in granulosa cell resistance to apoptosis and protecting the oocyte from oxidant stress.