Abstract

In vitro fertilization (IVF) success in goats largely depends on oocyte quality and mitochondrial activity during in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilization. The nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) plays central role in regulation mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism, which are essential for oocyte competence. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound with antioxidant and mitochondrial-activating properties, has been reported to enhance the SIRT1–PGC-1α–NRF1 signaling pathway, improving cellular energy metabolism. The aimed of present study to evaluation the impact of resveratrol supplement on NRF1 gene expression during IVF and IVM of goats oocytes. The ovaries in present study were collected from slaughterhouse, and cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were aspirated from antral follicles and cultured in TCM-199 medium either without or with resveratrol supplementation. After maturation and fertilization, NRF1 mRNA expression levels were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and normalize against GAPDH. The results showed that resveratrol significantly increased NRF1 expression at both stages of oocyte development. During IVM, NRF1 levels were higher in resveratrol-treated oocytes (2.87 ± 0.31) compared to control (1.57 ± 0.19). Similarly, during IVF, expression levels were markedly elevated (8.68 ± 0.62 vs. 3.42 ± 0.32, respectively; p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, resveratrol supplementation enhances NRF1 gene expression through IVM and fertilization, suggesting a beneficial role in improves mitochondria functions, cytoplasmic maturation, and development potential of goat oocyte.

Key words: Fertilization, Goat, IVM, Resveratrol, Mitochondrial, NRF1, qRT-PCR