Serum biomarkers of ovarian aging but not antral follicle count vary with BMI: is AFC a more versatile marker of ovarian aging?

2012 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. S84
Author(s):  
S.R. Pittenger ◽  
B. Sternfeld ◽  
R.A. Reijo-Pera
2020 ◽  
Vol 245 (8) ◽  
pp. 711-719
Author(s):  
Min Jung Park ◽  
Jun-Woo Ahn ◽  
Ki Hyung Kim ◽  
Junghee Bang ◽  
Seung Chul Kim ◽  
...  

This study investigated ovarian expressions of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), and C-KIT according to age in female mice to determine whether these factors can be served as new potential biomarkers of ovarian aging. Ovaries were collected from mice aged 10, 20, 30, and 40 weeks, and ovarian expressions of BMP15, GDF9, and C-KIT were examined by real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Follicle counts were measured on histological hematoxylin and eosin staining. In the second experiment to evaluate ovarian function, after superovulation with PMSG and hCG, the numbers of zygotes retrieved and embryo development rate were examined. Ovarian expressions of BMP15, GDF9, and C-KIT decreased with age. Follicle counts, numbers of retrieved zygotes, and embryo development rate were also significantly reduced in old mice over 30 weeks compared with young mice. These results indicate that these factors could be served as new potential biomarkers of ovarian aging. Impact statement Ovarian aging is becoming a more important issue in terms of fertility preservation and infertility treatment. Serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level and antral follicle count (AFC) are being practically used as markers of ovarian aging as well as ovarian reserve in human. However, these factors have some drawbacks in assessing ovarian aging and reserve. Therefore, the identification of ovarian expressions of BMP15, GDF9, and C-KIT according to female could be applied as a potent predictor of ovarian aging. This work provides new information on the development of diagnosis and treatment strategy of age-related fertility decline and premature ovarian insufficiency.


2008 ◽  
Vol 90 ◽  
pp. S265-S266 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.M. Schuh-Huerta ◽  
M.P. Rosen ◽  
N.A. Johnson ◽  
B. Sternfeld ◽  
M.I. Cedars ◽  
...  

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1936
Author(s):  
Valentina Lodde ◽  
Alberto Maria Luciano ◽  
Giulia Musmeci ◽  
Ileana Miclea ◽  
Irene Tessaro ◽  
...  

Decreased oocyte quality is a major determinant of age-associated fertility decline. Similarly, individuals affected by early ovarian aging carry low-quality oocytes. Using an established bovine model of early ovarian aging, we investigated key features of ‘quality’ oocyte maturation, associated with the onset of egg aneuploidy and reproductive aging, such as histone modifications, mitochondria distribution and activity, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and gap junction functionality. Bovine ovaries were classified according to the antral follicle count (AFC), and the retrieved oocytes were processed immediately or matured in vitro. We observed alterations in several cellular processes, suggesting a multifactorial etiology of the reduced oocyte quality. Furthermore, we performed a rescue experiment for one of the parameters considered. By adding cysteamine to the maturation medium, we experimentally increased the free radical scavenger ability of the ‘low competence’ oocytes and obtained a higher embryo development. Our findings show that adopting culture conditions that counteract the free radicals has a positive impact on the quality of ‘compromised’ oocytes. Specifically, cysteamine treatment seems to be a promising option for treating aging-related deficiencies in embryo development.


Zygote ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Burcu Ozbakir ◽  
Pinar Tulay

Summary Alcohol consumption has long been shown to affect both fetal health and pregnancy. In this study, antral follicle count, maturation level of oocytes including morphological assessment and number of metaphase I (MI), metaphase II (MII) and germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes obtained from young women (age < 30 years old) with or without alcohol consumption were investigated. In total, 20 healthy women who were social drinkers and 36 healthy women who do not consume alcohol were involved in this study. Women in both study and control groups were undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. The antral follicle count and the number and quality of the oocytes retrieved were evaluated and recorded. In total, 635 antral follicles, 1098 follicles and 1014 oocytes with 820 MII, 72 MI and 78 GV stage oocytes were collected from the social drinkers. In the control group, 628 antral follicles, 1136 follicles and 1085 oocytes with 838 MII, 93 MI and 102 GV stage oocytes were evaluated. The results of this study showed that the antral follicle count was very similar in both groups. The number of oocytes and MII stage oocytes was slightly higher in the control group, although it was not a significant difference. This study showed that although the consumption of alcohol may have adverse effects post-implantation, it may not have a solid effect during oogenesis in young women. The results of this study are especially important in clinical settings as some women who are social drinkers undergo in vitro fertilization treatments.


Author(s):  
Antonio Palagiano ◽  
Mauro Cozzolino ◽  
Filippo Maria Ubaldi ◽  
Chiara Palagiano ◽  
Maria Elisabetta Coccia

AbstractHydrosalpinx is a disease characterized by the obstruction of the salpinx, with progressive accumulation in the shape of a fluid-filled sac at the distal part of the tuba uterina, and closed to the ovary. Women with hydrosalpinges have lower implantation and pregnancy rates due to a combination of mechanical and chemical factors thought to disrupt the endometrial environment. Evidence suggests that the presence of hydrosalpinx reduces the rate of pregnancy with assisted reproductive technology. The main aim of the present is review to make an overview of the possible effects of hydrosalpinx on in vitro fertilization (IVF). We conducted a literature search on the PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Google Scholar data bases regarding hydrosalpinx and IVF outcomes. Hydrosalpinx probably has a direct toxic effect on sperm motility and on the embryos. In addition, the increasing liquid inside the salpinges could alter the mechanisms of endometrial receptivity. The window of endometrial receptivity is essential in the implantation of blastocysts, and it triggers multiple reactions arising from the endometrium as well as the blastocysts. Hydrosalpinx could influence the expression of homeobox A10 (HOXA10) gene, which plays an essential role in directing embryonic development and implantation. Salpingectomy restores the endometrial expression of HOXA10; therefore, it may be one mechanism by which tubal removal could result in improved implantation rates in IVF. In addition, salpingectomy does not affect the ovarian response, nor reduces the antral follicle count. Further studies are needed to establish the therapeutic value of fluid aspiration under ultrasonographic guidance, during or after oocyte retrieval, in terms of pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinayak Smith ◽  
Tiki Osianlis ◽  
Beverley Vollenhoven

The following review aims to examine the available evidence to guide best practice in preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). As it stands, there is no single method to completely prevent OHSS. There seems to be a benefit, however, in categorizing women based on their risk of OHSS and individualizing treatments to curtail their chances of developing the syndrome. At present, both Anti-Müllerian Hormone and the antral follicle count seem to be promising in this regard. Both available and upcoming therapies are also reviewed to give a broad perspective to clinicians with regard to management options. At present, we recommend the use of a “step-up” regimen for ovulation induction, adjunct metformin utilization, utilizing a GnRH agonist as an ovulation trigger, and cabergoline usage. A summary of recommendations is also made available for ease of clinical application. In addition, areas for potential research are also identified where relevant.


Reproduction ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 140 (5) ◽  
pp. 713-720 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Mossa ◽  
F Jimenez-Krassel ◽  
J K Folger ◽  
J L H Ireland ◽  
G W Smith ◽  
...  

Androgens have an important role in ovarian follicular growth and function, but circulating androgen concentrations are also associated with ovarian dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders in women. The extent and causes of the variation in androgen production in individuals, however, are unknown. Because thecal cells of follicles synthesize androstenedione and testosterone, variation in production of these androgens is hypothesized to be directly related to the inherently high variation in number of healthy growing follicles in ovaries of individuals. To test this hypothesis, we determined whether thecal CYP17A1 mRNA (codes for a cytochrome P450 enzyme involved in androgen synthesis), LH-induced thecal androstenedione production, androstenedione concentrations in follicular fluid, and circulating testosterone concentrations were lower in cattle with relatively low versus high number of follicles growing during follicular waves and whether ovariectomy reduced serum testosterone concentrations. Results demonstrated that cattle with a low follicle number had lower (P<0.05) abundance of CYP17A1 mRNA in thecal cells, reduced (P<0.01) capacity of thecal cells to produce androstenedione in response to LH, lower (P<0.01) androstenedione concentrations in ovulatory follicles, and lower (P<0.02) circulating testosterone concentrations during estrous cycles compared with animals with high follicle number. Also, serum testosterone in cattle with low or high follicle number was reduced by 63 and 70%, respectively, following ovariectomy. In conclusion, circulating androgen concentrations are lower in cattle with low versus high number of follicles growing during follicular waves, possibly because of a reduced responsiveness of thecal cells to LH.


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