Betulinic acid is a natural product found in several plant sources including white birch bark. Interestingly, this molecule has several biological activities, notably antioxidant properties. Studies indicate that the antioxidant activity of this molecule is mediated through the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway, which defends against oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress is one of the major causes of in vitro oocyte maturation defects. Therefore, optimizing the in vitro conditions will lead to more successful outcomes. Undeniably, this is an important step in the process of assisted reproductive technology.
Recently, a study looked at the impact of betulinic acid on the maturation of porcine oocytes. First, the cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were extracted from porcine ovaries. The the COCs were allowed to mature in vitro in the presence or absence of various concentrations of betulinic acid. Next, the matured oocytes were parthenogenetically activated, followed by incubation for 6 days.
As it turns out, the COCs treated with betulinic acid showed enhanced meiotic progression leading to more successful outcomes. Anaylsis indicates that the treatment regulated antioxidant genes, thereby reducing the intracellular oxidative stress level.
Now that these positive in vitro results have been observed, it will be necessary to further evaluate for any long-term effects on the embryonic development. This research is important for the improvement of in vitro maturation systems.
Additionally, related compounds are also available from LKT Labs:
Kim MJ, Kang HG, Jeon SB, et al. The antioxidant betulinic acid enhances porcine oocyte maturation through Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway modulation. PLoS One. 2024 Oct 10;19(10):e0311819. PMID: 39388445