Authors
Xing Yang, M.D., Ph.D., Linda L. Wu, Ph.D., Lindsay R. Chura, Xiaoyan Liang, M.D., Michelle Lane, Ph.D., Robert J. Norman, M.D., Rebecca L. Robker, Ph.D.
Vol 97, Issue 6 , Pages 1438-1443
Abstract
Objective:
To determine whether the high lipid content of human follicular fluid influences oocyte maturation.
Design:
Mouse oocytes as substitutes for human oocytes were exposed to follicular fluids of differing lipid content with outcome monitoring.
Setting:
Private infertility clinic and university laboratory.
Patient(s):
Seventy-four women seeking assisted reproduction, and gonadotropin-stimulated mice.
Intervention(s):
Assay of follicular fluids for triglyceride and free fatty acids, and stimulation of mouse cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) to maturity in vitro in the presence of lipid-rich or lipid-poor follicular fluid.
Main Outcome Measure(s):
Oocyte lipid content, expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress marker genes, and oocyte maturation assessed in mouse COCs exposed to lipid-rich follicular fluid were compared with complexes exposed to lipid-poor follicular fluid and complexes matured in vivo.
Result(s):
Follicular fluids were obtained from women of known body mass index undergoing oocyte aspiration at a private infertility clinic, and the follicular fluids were assayed for triglyceride and free fatty acids; those with the highest and lowest levels of these lipids were selected. The mouse COCs exposed to lipid-rich follicular fluid during their maturation had increased oocyte lipid content, induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers, and impaired oocyte nuclear maturation.
Conclusion(s):
Increased body mass index is associated with elevated triglycerides and free fatty acids in ovarian follicular fluid. Maturation within this lipid-rich environment is detrimental to oocytes.
Read the full text at: http://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(12)00268-3/fulltext