Application of image analysis cytometry in follicular fluid cells obtained from in-vitro fertilization cycles: relationships to patient's age, oocyte maturity, fertilizability and in-vitro fertilization outcome

High rate of aneuploidy in luteinized granulosa cells obtained from follicular fluid in women who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation

We performed a prospective study to detect the cell cycle changes in luteinized granulosa cells in patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation with GnRH analog and gonadotropin therapy. Aneuploid DNA content was observed in 37 of 70 women (52.9%), and multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that only the dose of gonadotropins used significantly predicted the ploidy status of granulosa cells, which indicates that ovarian hyperstimulation in IVF treatment might be detrimental for the DNA content of granulosa cells.

DNA ploidy of human granulosa cells from natural and stimulated in vitro fertilization cycles

OBJECTIVE

To analyze and compare the DNA ploidy of granulosa cells from natural and gonadotropin-stimulated follicles obtained during IVF.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of laboratory data.

SETTING

University medical center.

PATIENT(S)

Seventy-three aspirates of dominant follicles from natural IVF cycles and 113 aspirates from gonadotropin-stimulated cycles were analyzed.

INTERVENTION(S)

Cytospins were prepared and stained by the Feulgen-thionine method.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Image DNA analysis was performed on an automated high-resolution image cytometer. DNA content and the number of nuclei with DNA content >5c were measured.

RESULT(S)

All samples from natural and gonadotropin-stimulated follicles were found to be diploid. Single cells with DNA content >5c were found in follicular fluid samples of four women with natural IVF cycles and in samples of nine women with gonadotropin-stimulated cycles.

CONCLUSION(S)

DNA ploidy of granulosa cells from natural follicles has not been studied before. In natural samples, granulosa cells were only diploid, without euploid polyploidization. We were unable to confirm DNA aneuploidy of granulosa cells in gonadotropin-stimulated follicles of women undergoing IVF.