Effects of Silver Nanoparticles on Proliferation and Apoptosis in Granulosa Cells of Chicken Preovulatory Follicles: An In Vitro Study

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The goal of this research was to examine the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the proliferation and apoptosis process in the in vitro cultured granulosa cells of chicken preovulatory follicles. The study revealed that both 13 nm and 50 nm AgNPs significantly repressed proliferation of the granulosa cells, and this effect was faster for 50 nm nanoparticles. Caspase-3 activity increased in granulosa cells under the influence of 13 nm AgNPs, while in the case of nanoparticles 50 nm in size, this result was not observed, which may suggest that AgNPs evoke different cell death pathways. In conclusion, these data indicate that AgNPs may affect the maturation and ovulation of preovulatory follicles and subsequently the process of egg laying. ABSTRACT: The continuous development of poultry production related to the growing demand for eggs and chicken meat makes it necessary to use modern technologies. An answer to this demand may be the use of nanotechnology in poultry farming. One of the promising nanomaterials in this field are silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which are used as disinfectants, reducing microbial pollution and the amounts of greenhouse gases released. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of AgNPs on the proliferation and apoptosis process in the granulosa cells of chicken preovulatory follicles. The in vitro culture experiment revealed that both 13 nm and 50 nm AgNPs inhibited the proliferation of the granulosa cells. However, a faster action was observed in 50 nm AgNPs than in 13 nm ones. A size-dependent effect of AgNP was also demonstrated for the caspase-3 activity. AgNPs 13 nm in size increased the caspase-3 activity in granulosa cells, while 50 nm AgNPs did not exert an effect, which may indicate the induction of distinct cell death pathways by AgNPs. In conclusion, our study reveals that AgNPs in vitro inhibit granulosa cell proliferation and stimulate their apoptosis. These results suggest that AgNPs may disrupt the final stage of preovulatory follicle maturation and ovulation.