Quercetin protects mouse oocytes against chromium-induced damage in vitro and in vivo

•Chromium exposure induces oxidative stress and apoptosis in oocytes.•Chromium toxicity impairs spindle formation and oocyte maturation.•Chromium exposure disturbs the mitochondrial function, increasing oxidative stress.•Quercetin, as an antioxidant, protects the oocyte quality against the chromium.•Quercetin may be used to improve oocyte quality against metal-induced toxicity risks.