Effects of in vivo Administration of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 on Oocyte and Embryo Development in Mice under Chronic Psychosocial Stress

Chronic stress may affect folliculogenesis. Understandingthe relationship between stress and insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) is essential for addressing fertility issues. This studyaimed to investigate the effects of in vivo IGF-1 administrationon oocyte and embryo development in mice in conditions of chronicpsychosocial stress. Female CD1 mice were subjected to alternatingperiods of social isolation and overcrowding. The stress responsewas confirmed by elevated corticosterone levels in blood serum. Therewere no significant differences in the number of ovulated oocytesacross the groups. However, stress reduced oocyte maturation, whileIGF-1 treatment of stressed females improved oocyte maturation andreduced their degraded rate. Stressed females exhibited a reductionin mitochondrial membrane potential in oocytes. IGF-1 treatmentimproved oocyte quality, increased mitochondrial potential, andreduced ROS levels in the oocytes collected from stressed femalemice. There were no significant changes in apoptosis levels withincumulus-oocyte complexes or preimplantation embryos across all thestudied groups. IGF-1 treatment in stressed females led to a highernumber of cells in embryos compared to embryos collected from non-stressedcontrols and from non IGF-1 treated stressed females. In conclusion,chronic psychosocial stress negatively affects oocyte developmentand mitochondrial function in particular, but IGF-1 treatment mitigatesthese effects, improving oocyte and embryo quality. These resultssuggest a promising therapeutic role for IGF-1 in enhancing reproductive outcomesunder stress conditions.