Thiamethoxam Exposure Impairs Oocyte Maturation via Induction of Lipid Metabolism and Mitochondrial Dysfunctions in Porcine

Neonicotinoid insecticides (NEOs) are the most widely used pesticides in modern agriculture, and there are residues in the environment and food. Thiamethoxam (TMX) has been proven to destroy the ovarian homeostasis of mice in vivo and reduce the development of porcine oocytes in vitro. However, whether TMX can interfere with porcine oocyte maturation and its potential mechanism remains unknown. This study indicated that TMX affects the expansion of cumulus cells, destroys the balance of lipid metabolism, and damages mitochondrial function. TMX treatment decreased the expression of genes related to cumulus cell expansion, lipid synthesis and mitochondrial synthesis. Collectively, results confirm that TMX exposure can damage oocyte maturation and produce reproductive toxicity by inducing lipid metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction in porcine.