Folate deficiency links impaired appetite routing to ovarian dysfunction

Abstract

Abstract The long-established link between nutrition and reproduction is known to have critical consequences for reproductive function. However, the availability of experimental data on effect of folate deficiency on ovarian health is scarce and uncertain. Our objective was to establish a proof for association between folate deficiency, hormone dynamics, and health of the ovary through in vivo model organism. Folate-deprived female zebrafishes were developed using intraperitoneal administration of methotrexate (MTX) and they were used to study the possible implications of folate deprivation on ovarian health. Changes in the expression of transcripts regulating appetite and ovarian function was assessed by qRT-PCR. ELISA based methods were utilised to quantify and evaluate changes in hormone levels regulating reproductive function. Histology of ovarian tissue was performed to support the study. Folate deprivation resulted in impaired appetite behaviour and alters its regulatory gene expression. Due to folate deficiency, the neuroendocrine function of the brain was affected that resulted in altered reproductive hormone levels. Histological parameter of ovary was performed wherein the follicles are arrested in primary oocyte stage and abundance of scarring of tissue is seen. Furthermore, elevated lipid peroxidation and catalase enzyme activity indicates folate deficiency induced oxidative stress in ovary as one of the responsible mechanisms to aide ovarian dysfunction. Our study provides experiment proof with in vivo folate deficient model of fish that suggests B9 non-availability resulted into loss of appetite and, female gonadal dysfunction, which developed as cumulative effect of deficiency and altered appetite. The intricate interplay between folate deficiency and appetite along with the consequential implications for the synthesis and release of female reproductive hormones, warrant a thorough and in-depth exploration through further research.