Ceria nanoparticles boost activity of aged murine oocytes

Oocyte meiotic maturation and viability of follicular granulosa cells in young and old experimental Balb/C and CBA mice in the presence of ceria nanoparticles were studied. Treatment of old Balb/c mice with ceria nanoparticles for three days once a day (at a dose of 45 mg/kg) leads to a positive effect on reproductive system. The number of oocytes in follicles increases and this effect is accompanied by an increase in the number of oocytes at metaphase Ⅰ and metaphase Ⅱ. The number of living granulosa cells increases, while percentage of the necrotic and apoptotic ones decreases relative to control group. Data obtained on CBA mice provided additional evidence for positive effect of ceria nanoparticles. Depending on the initial state of the reproductive system and dose of ceria nanoparticles the effectiveness of the treatment will vary. In case of old mice ceria nanoparticles protect ovarian cells against oxidative damage, working as anti-aging agent. The litter size in old mice treated with the CNs increases too.