Perfluorodecanoic acid induces meiotic defects and deterioration of mice oocytes in vitro

Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) is a member of the perfluoroalkyl substances, which are toxic to organic functions. Recently, it has been found in follicular fluid, seriously interfering with reproduction. Follicular fluid provides the oocyte with necessary resources during the process of oocytes maturation. However, the effects of PFDA on the oocyte need investigation. Our study evaluated the impacts of PFDA on the meiosis and development potential of mouse oocytes by exposing oocytes to PFDA in vitro at 350, 400, and 450 μM concentrations. The results showed that exposure to PFDA resulted in the first meiotic prophase arrest by obstructing the function of the maturation-promoting factor. It also induced the dysfunction of the spindle assembly checkpoint, expedited the progression of the first meiotic process, and increased the risk of aneuploidy. The oocytes treated with PFDA had a broken cytoskeleton which also contributed to meiotic maturation failure. Besides, PFDA exposure caused mitochondria defections, increased the reactive oxygen species level in oocytes, and consequently induced oocyte apoptosis. Moreover, PFDA produced epigenetic modifications in oocytes and increased the frequency of mature oocytes with declined development potential. In summary, our data indicated that PFDA disturbs the meiotic process and induces oocyte quality deterioration.