Expression levels of the selenium-uptake receptor LRP8, the antioxidant selenoprotein GPX1 and steroidogenic enzymes correlate in granulosa cells.

In the ovary, eggs are housed in follicles which contain the cells that produce oestrogen in the days leading up to ovulation of the egg. Oestrogen is produced by the action of enzymes. However, some of these enzymes also produce by-products called reactive oxygen species (ROS). These are harmful to eggs. Fortunately, cells have protective antioxidant enzymes that can neutralise ROS. This study was interested in which particular antioxidant enzyme(s) might be involved in neutralising the ROS in follicle cells. It was found that only one antioxidant enzyme, GPX1, appeared to be co-regulated with the enzymes that produce oestrogen and progesterone in the follicular cells. GPX1 contains the essential mineral selenium. In summary, this study has identified which antioxidant appears to be involved in neutralising ROS in the days leading to ovulation. It highlights the importance of selenium in the diet.