Cetylpyridinium chloride exposure contributes to apoptosis and follicular atresia in mouse ovaries by inducing DNA damage in granulosa cells

Recent studies have suggested that exposure to CPC may pose potential risks to female reproductive health, yet the specific effects of CPC on the ovary remain poorly understood. In this study, we observed that CPC exposure in mice resulted in weight loss, increased follicular atresia, and apoptosis of granulosa cells within the ovary.

Through RNA-Seq data analysis, we discovered that the downregulation of the FOXM1 gene played a critical regulatory role in the DNA damage pathway triggered by CPC. In summary, our findings indicate that CPC induces DNA damage, leading to apoptosis of ovarian cells and follicular atresia in mice, thereby providing novel insights into the association between female infertility and CPC exposure