| Abstract: | Quercetin (Que) is a natural flavonoid in most plants. Luteinized granulosa cell (LGC) culture is necessary for the study of follicle growth/differentiation. In the present study, we analyzed the role of Que in steroid production and apoptosis in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐treated goat LGCs. The results showed that treatment with H2O2 induced apoptosis in goat LGCs, and treatment with Que decreased LGC apoptosis induced by H2O2 (P < .05), accompanied with the different expressions of BAX, BCL‐2, Caspase 3, and Cleaved caspase 3. Meanwhile, the messenger RNA expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream genes were upregulated with H2O2 +Que treatment, accompanied by the increased cellular viability (P < .05). Furthermore, Que alleviated H2O2‐induced reduction in the secretion of progesterone (P4) (P < .05); however, it had no effect on the secretion of estrogen (E2). Simultaneously, the expressions of StAR and P450scc were increased when treated with Que +H2O2, compared with the group treated with only H2O2 (P < .05). In conclusion, it is observed that Que could alleviate the H2O2‐induced apoptosis and steroidogenic impairment in goat LGCs, which might be mediated by the Nrf2 pathway. |
