Follicular Fluid Oocyte/Cumulus-Free DNA Concentrations as a Potential Biomolecular Marker of Embryo Quality and IVF Outcome. (15th June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dimopoulou, M.; Anifandis, G.; Messini, C. I.; Dafopoulos, K.; Kouris, S.; Sotiriou, S.; Satra, M.; Vamvakopoulos, N.; Messinis, I. E.
• Other Names: Galani Vasiliki Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: BioMed research international. Volume 2014(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-06-15
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1155/2014/289306
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2314-6133

Abstract

Abstract : The present prospective study examined the follicular fluid oocyte/cumulus-free DNA concentrations (ff o/c-free DNA) during ovarian stimulation and the possible association between ff o/c-free DNA and embryological results such as embryo quality and pregnancy rate. Eighty-three women undergoing IV/ICSI-ET treatments were prospectively included in this study. ff o/c-free DNA was determined by conventional quantitative real time PCR-Sybr green detection approach. The 83 ff samples were categorized in two groups: group 1 n = 62 with cumulus oocytes complexes (CoCs) ≥ 2 and group 2 n = 21 with CoCs = 1. Group 1 revealed significant higher embryo quality in terms of mean score of embryo transfer (MSET), but lower ff o/c-free DNA concentrations compared to group 2. The two groups showed comparable pregnancy rates (positive hCG and clinical pregnancy). The higher the ff o/c-free DNA concentration, the lower the number of produced oocytes. ff o/c-free DNA did not seem to have any direct role in the IVF outcome. Further research is required to clarify whether ff o/c-free DNA is a biomolecular marker of embryo quality and IVF outcome.