Stimulation of granulosa cells via non-thermal plasma and natural products

Steroidogenesis is a process which cholesterol is converted to biologically active steroid hormones. The role of steroid hormones from fetal life to adulthood regulate by a wide variety of developmental and physiological processes. Qualitative regulation determining the type of steroid to be produced is mediated by many enzymes and cofactors. Steroidogenic enzymes fall into two groups: cytochrome P45 (CYP) or HSD enzymes and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases. Granulosa cells are responsible for estrogens synthesis and essential for the development and survival of oocyte. Non-thermal plasma is a cocktail of chemical and physical factors such as short-lived reactive species, long-lived reactive species, electromagnetic field, and ultraviolet radiation. Recently, plasma has attracted attention in various fields of medicine. Here, we examine for the first time the efficiency of plasma, Crocus sativus L., and Date palm pollen (DPP) on Granulosa cells which are important and necessary for ovarian steroidogenesis. Based on our observation, we expect plasma acts ac a steroidogenesis inducer agent.