Reactive oxygen species in follicular fluid may serve as biochemical markers to determine ovarian aging and follicular metabolic age. (October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Elizur, Shai E.; Lebovitz, Oshrit; Orvieto, Raoul; Dor, Jehoshua; Zan-Bar, Tidhar
• Is Part Of: Gynecological endocrinology. Volume 30:Number 10(2014:Oct.)
• Page Start: 705
• Page End: 707
• Publication Date: 2014-10
• Subjects: Endocrine gynecology -- Periodicals; Generative organs, Female -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.1
• DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2014.924100
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-3590

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Introduction</italic>: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of oxidative stress in the process of ovarian aging.</p> <p> <italic>Methods</italic>: Follicular fluid (FF) from two randomly selected sibling follicles was collected from women undergoing <italic>in-vitro</italic> fertilization and tested for hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) levels.</p> <p> <italic>Results</italic>: Group A consists of seven women with whom each of the two sibling separate follicle yielded an oocyte that was later discordantly developed to a low- and top-quality embryo. Group B consists of 13 patients in whom one of the sibling follicle yielded an oocyte while the other did not (empty follicle).</p> <p>High-quality embryos were derived from follicles with lower H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> levels compared to follicles from which poor-quality embryos developed (1.004 units ± 0.260 versus 1.145 units ± 0.236, <italic>p</italic> < 0.02). H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> levels were significantly higher (0.951 units ± 0.233 versus 0.623 units ± 0.309, <italic>p</italic> < 0.001) in sibling follicles containing oocyte compared to empty follicles.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusion</italic>: During the process of ovarian ageing, there might be a gradual increase in H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> level in the follicle. Finally, when the follicle ages and becomes empty of oocyte H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> levels drops significantly. Therefore, H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> levels in FF may serve as a possible marker to determine ovarian aging and follicular metabolic age.</p> </abstract>