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Brinca AT, Ramalhinho AC, Sousa Â, Oliani AH, Breitenfeld L, Passarinha LA, Gallardo E. Follicular Fluid: A Powerful Tool for the Understanding and Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1254. [PMID: 35740276 PMCID: PMC9219683 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents one of the leading causes of anovulatory infertility and affects 5% to 20% of women worldwide. Until today, both the subsequent etiology and pathophysiology of PCOS remain unclear, and patients with PCOS that undergo assisted reproductive techniques (ART) might present a poor to exaggerated response, low oocyte quality, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, as well as changes in the follicular fluid metabolites pattern. These abnormalities originate a decrease of Metaphase II (MII) oocytes and decreased rates for fertilization, cleavage, implantation, blastocyst conversion, poor egg to follicle ratio, and increased miscarriages. Focus on obtaining high-quality embryos has been taken into more consideration over the years. Nowadays, the use of metabolomic analysis in the quantification of proteins and peptides in biological matrices might predict, with more accuracy, the success in assisted reproductive technology. In this article, we review the use of human follicular fluid as the matrix in metabolomic analysis for diagnostic and ART predictor of success for PCOS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Teresa Brinca
- Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.T.B.); (Â.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Ana Cristina Ramalhinho
- Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.T.B.); (Â.S.); (L.B.)
- Assisted Reproduction Laboratory of Academic Hospital of Cova da Beira, 6200-251 Covilhã, Portugal;
- C4-Cloud Computing Competence Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ângela Sousa
- Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.T.B.); (Â.S.); (L.B.)
| | - António Hélio Oliani
- Assisted Reproduction Laboratory of Academic Hospital of Cova da Beira, 6200-251 Covilhã, Portugal;
- São José do Rio Preto School of Medicine, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Luiza Breitenfeld
- Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.T.B.); (Â.S.); (L.B.)
- C4-Cloud Computing Competence Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Luís A. Passarinha
- Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.T.B.); (Â.S.); (L.B.)
- UCIBIO–Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Departament of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, University of Beira Interior, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.T.B.); (Â.S.); (L.B.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, University of Beira Interior, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
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Lewandowska AE, Fel A, Thiel M, Czaplewska P, Łukaszuk K, Wiśniewski JR, Ołdziej S. Compatibility of Distinct Label-Free Proteomic Workflows in Absolute Quantification of Proteins Linked to the Oocyte Quality in Human Follicular Fluid. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7415. [PMID: 34299044 PMCID: PMC8304916 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We present two separate label-free quantitative workflows based on different high-resolution mass spectrometers and LC setups, which are termed after the utilized instrument: Quad-Orbitrap (nano-LC) and Triple Quad-TOF (micro-LC) and their directed adaptation toward the analysis of human follicular fluid proteome. We identified about 1000 proteins in each distinct workflow using various sample preparation methods. With assistance of the Total Protein Approach, we were able to obtain absolute protein concentrations for each workflow. In a pilot study of twenty samples linked to diverse oocyte quality status from four donors, 455 and 215 proteins were quantified by the Quad-Orbitrap and Triple Quad-TOF workflows, respectively. The concentration values obtained from both workflows correlated to a significant degree. We found reasonable agreement of both workflows in protein fold changes between tested groups, resulting in unified lists of 20 and 22 proteins linked to oocyte maturity and blastocyst development, respectively. The Quad-Orbitrap workflow was best suited for an in-depth analysis without the need of extensive fractionation, especially of low abundant proteome, whereas the Triple Quad-TOF workflow allowed a more robust approach with a greater potential to increase in effectiveness with the growing number of analyzed samples after the initial effort of building a comprehensive spectral library.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra E. Lewandowska
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG&MUG, University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.)
| | - Anna Fel
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG&MUG, University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.)
| | - Marcel Thiel
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG&MUG, University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.)
| | - Paulina Czaplewska
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG&MUG, University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.)
| | - Krzysztof Łukaszuk
- INVICTA Fertility and Reproductive Center, Polna 64, 81-740 Sopot, Poland;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jacek R. Wiśniewski
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany;
| | - Stanisław Ołdziej
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG&MUG, University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.)
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Sim YJ, Ryu AR, Lee MY. Proteomic analysis of human follicular fluid from polycystic ovary syndrome patients. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2021; 69:289-295. [PMID: 33438252 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Comparative proteomic profiling of human follicular fluid (HFF) from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and non-PCOS patients who displayed low levels of fertility was carried out via two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) combined with mass spectrometry. HFF, an important reproductive fluid, was used for the proteomic analysis of PCOS patients to determine the effect of PCOS on folliculogenesis. HFF was obtained from 10 women (average age, 35 years) undergoing in vitro fertilization at two hospitals. The proteins of HFF were separated using 2-DE analysis and validated by Western blot assay. Approximately 250 protein spots were separated on the 2-DE gel. Among them, the expression levels of seven proteins were found to change at least 1.5-fold in the PCOS patient group. Three protein spots, albumin, uncharacterized protein 1, and uncharacterized protein 2, were downregulated in PCOS patients. However, four protein spots, gelsolin, vitamin D binding protein, serum albumin, and complement factor B, were upregulated in PCOS patient group. These proteins may serve as a panel of potential pathological biomarkers during fertilization and oocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Jin Sim
- Elle Medi Obstetrics, Changwon, Gyeongnam, 51191, Republic of Korea
| | - A-Reum Ryu
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, 31538, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, 31538, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Young Lee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, 31538, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, 31538, Republic of Korea
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Luddi A, Governini L, Capaldo A, Campanella G, De Leo V, Piomboni P, Morgante G. Characterization of the Age-Dependent Changes in Antioxidant Defenses and Protein's Sulfhydryl/Carbonyl Stress in Human Follicular Fluid. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9100927. [PMID: 32998216 PMCID: PMC7599528 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9100927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The oxidative stress, characterized by the imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants molecules, seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of female subfertility. In particular, the presence of different markers of oxidative stress has been reported in human follicular fluid (FF) surrounding oocytes. Based on its distinctive composition and on the close proximity to the oocyte, FF creates a unique microenvironment having a direct impact on oocyte quality, implantation, and early embryo development. An imbalance in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in ovarian follicular fluid may have a negative effect on these processes and, as a consequence, on female fertility. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the redox state of the FF through various methodological approaches. By means of 2D-electrophoresis we demonstrated that the main structural changes occurring in the proteins of the follicular fluid of normovulatory women were correlated to the age of the patients and to the antioxidant defenses present in the FF. Measurement of these parameters could have clinical relevance, since the assessment of the oxidative stress rate may be helpful in evaluating in vitro fertilization potential.
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Galusha AL, Haig AC, Bloom MS, Kruger PC, McGough A, Lenhart N, Wong R, Fujimoto VY, Mok-Lin E, Parsons PJ. Ultra-trace element analysis of human follicular fluid by ICP-MS/MS: pre-analytical challenges, contamination control, and matrix effects. J Anal At Spectrom 2019; 34:741-752. [PMID: 31036984 PMCID: PMC6485965 DOI: 10.1039/c8ja00423d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Follicular fluid (FF), which is the fluid that envelops the developing oocyte (egg cell) in the ovary, can be analyzed to assess trace element content as well as to determine potential exposure to toxic elements in women seeking in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Such measurements may be useful in establishing associations with potential adverse effects on oocyte viability and subsequent pregnancy outcomes. The principal goal of this study was to leverage the next generation of inorganic mass spectrometry based on ICP-MS/MS to address the numerous analytical challenges of (ultra-)trace element analysis of human FF specimens. Ultra-trace element measurements are defined by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute as fluid concentrations below 10 μg L-1 or tissue mass fractions below 1 μg g-1. Stringent pre-analytical procedures were developed to minimize exogenous contamination during FF specimen collection and storage in a prospective study of 56 women seeking IVF treatment. ICP-MS/MS instrumental parameters were carefully optimized, and the method validated for 11 biologically important elements that included 4 at trace levels (Cu, Se, Sr, and Zn) and 7 at ultra-trace levels (As, Cd, Co, Mo, Mn, Hg, and Pb). Method limits of detection (LODs) for ultra-trace elements varied from 5.6 ng L-1 for Cd to 0.11 μg L-1 for Mo. A total of 197 human FF specimens were analyzed using the proposed ICP-MS/MS method with 84% of specimens detectable for Pb and 100% detectable for Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Sr, and Zn. The method based on ICP-MS/MS was compared to a previous method developed for FF using SF-ICP-MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey L. Galusha
- Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany,
NY, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, The University at Albany, State
University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Aubreian C. Haig
- Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany,
NY, USA
| | - Michael S. Bloom
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, The University at Albany, State
University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University
of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Pamela C. Kruger
- Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany,
NY, USA
- present address: Thermo Fisher Scientific, 75 Panorama Creek Drive, Rochester, NY 14625
| | - Alexandra McGough
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California at San Francisco,
San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nikolaus Lenhart
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California at San Francisco,
San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca Wong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California at San Francisco,
San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Victor Y. Fujimoto
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California at San Francisco,
San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Evelyn Mok-Lin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California at San Francisco,
San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Patrick J. Parsons
- Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany,
NY, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, The University at Albany, State
University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA
- corresponding author, Patrick J. Parsons, Ph.D., Division of Environmental Health Sciences,
Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Dept. of Health Albany, NY 12201-0509,
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Lewandowska AE, Macur K, Czaplewska P, Liss J, Łukaszuk K, Ołdziej S. Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Proteome and Peptidome of Human Follicular Fluid Using Multiple Samples from Single Donor with LC-MS and SWATH Methodology. J Proteome Res 2017; 16:3053-3067. [PMID: 28658951 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.7b00366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Human follicular fluid (hFF) is a natural environment of oocyte maturation, and some components of hFF could be used to judge oocyte capability for fertilization and further development. In our pilot small-scale study three samples from four donors (12 samples in total) were analyzed to determine which hFF proteins/peptides could be used to differentiate individual oocytes and which are patient-specific. Ultrafiltration was used to fractionate hFF to high-molecular-weight (HMW) proteome (>10 kDa) and low-molecular-weight (LMW) peptidome (<10 kDa) fractions. HMW and LMW compositions were analyzed using LC-MS in SWATH data acquisition and processing methodology. In total we were able to identify 158 proteins, from which 59 were never reported before as hFF components. 55 (45 not reported before) proteins were found by analyzing LMW fraction, 67 (14 not reported before) were found by analyzing HMW fraction, and 36 were identified in both fractions of hFF. We were able to perform quantitative analysis for 72 proteins from HMW fraction of hFF. We found that concentrations of 11 proteins varied substantially among hFF samples from single donors, and those proteins are promising targets to identify biomarkers useful in oocyte quality assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra E Lewandowska
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk , Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Macur
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk , Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Paulina Czaplewska
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk , Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Joanna Liss
- INVICTA Fertility and Reproductive Center , Trzy Lipy 3, 80-172 Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Łukaszuk
- INVICTA Fertility and Reproductive Center , Trzy Lipy 3, 80-172 Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk , Dębinki 7, 80-211 Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Stanisław Ołdziej
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk , Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Riva F, Omes C, Bassani R, Nappi RE, Mazzini G, Icaro Cornaglia A, Casasco A. In-vitro culture system for mesenchymal progenitor cells derived from waste human ovarian follicular fluid. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 29:457-69. [PMID: 25131558 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
To characterize different cell populations in the human ovary, morphological and functional characteristics of cell populations collected during routine IVF procedures were studied. Cells obtained from follicular fluid grew in vitro under minimal medium conditions, without growth factor, including leukaemia-inhibiting factor. Morphological analysis revealed a heterogeneous cell population, with cells displaying a fibroblast-like, epithelial-like and also neuron-like features. Morpho-functional characteristics of fibroblast-like cells were similar to mesenchymal stem cells, and, in particular, were positive for mesenchymal stemness markers, including CD90, CD44, CD105, CD73, but negative for epithelial proteins, such as cytokeratins, CD34 and CD45 antigens. Cell proliferation activity at different times and colony-forming unit capability were evaluated, and multipotency of a subset of granulosa cells was established by in-vitro differentiation studies (e.g. osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation). This study suggests that cells provided by mesenchymal plasticity can be easily isolated by waste follicular fluid, avoiding scraping of human ovaries, and cultivated in minimal conditions. Successful growth of such progenitor cells on three-dimensional cryogel scaffold provides the basis for future developments in tissue engineering. This culture system may be regarded as an experimental model in which biological behaviour is not influenced by specific growth factors.
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Shimokawa KI, Katayama M, Matsuda Y, Takahashi H, Hara I, Sato H. Identification of complexes of gelatinase A and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 in human follicular fluid. Reprod Med Biol 2003; 2:115-119. [PMID: 29662377 DOI: 10.1046/j.1445-5781.2003.00029.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Ovulation involves considerable tissue remodeling in normal ovarian function. These processes are expected to involve matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). Follicular rupture is caused by the degradation of the basement membrane between the thecal and granulose layers, as well as disruption of the extracellular matrix (ECM) at the site of rupture. We report on the existence of the complexes of progelatinase A (proMMP-2), MMP-2 and a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) using zymographic and immunological techniques in human follicular fluid (HFF). Methods and Results: Partial purification of the complexes was achieved by using gelatin affinity column chromatography. The peak (tubes 68-73) in this chromatography showed gelatinase activities by gelatin-zymography, and also an inhibition by EDTA (metalloproteinase inhibitor). The molecular weights of the gelatinase activities were approximately 72 and 67 kDa, and were consistent with standard proMMP-2 and MMP-2, as found by using gelatin-zymography. Similarly, the band in this peak was consistent with standard recombinant full-length TIMP-2, as found by the use of western blot analysis, and the molecular weight of the band was approximately 21 kDa. Conclusion: As proMMP-2, MMP-2 and TIMP-2 exist in the peak from the gelatin affinity column, we expected that these form the complexes. These results indicate that the complexes of proMMP-2/TIMP-2 and MMP-2/TIMP-2 exist in HFF. (Reprod Med Biol 2003; 2: 115-119).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Izumi Hara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fussa Hospital, Fussa and
| | - Hirohisa Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tachikawa Kyosai Hospital, Tachikawa, Tokyo, Japan
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Bili H, Tarlatzis BC, Daniilidis M, Fleva A, Bontis J, Tourkantonis A, Mantalenakis S. Cytokines in the human ovary: presence in follicular fluid and correlation with leukotriene B4. J Assist Reprod Genet 1998; 15:93-8. [PMID: 9513849 PMCID: PMC3455422 DOI: 10.1007/bf02766833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was undertaken to correlate the follicular levels of interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and leukotriene (LT) B4 with oocyte maturity, fertilization, and achievement of pregnancy. METHODS The material was obtained from 22 women undergoing IVF, 8 of whom became pregnant and 14 of whom did not. RESULTS All of the studied cytokines and LT B4 were found in follicular fluids, but there were no significant differences according to oocyte maturity, fertilization, embryo quality, and achievement of pregnancy. On the other hand, a significant positive correlation was found between IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha, IL-1 alpha, and LT B4 as well as between TNF-alpha and LT B4 in follicular fluids with subsequently fertilized oocytes. CONCLUSIONS It seems that IL-1 alpha, TNF-alpha and LT B4 may take part in the process of follicle wall degradation, and their follicular correlations may suggest more optimal follicular and oocyte development and maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bili
- First Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to compare the reliability of the methods conventionally used to identify low levels of blood contamination in human follicular fluid (hFF) as applicable in the clinical environment. METHODS Follicular fluid (n = 339) and plasma samples (n = 20) were collected from patients (n = 138) attending the Centre for Fertility Studies, HF Verwoerd Hospital, University of Pretoria, South Africa. hFF blood contamination was assessed by means of (a) visual inspection, (b) hematocrit (Hct), (c) spectrophotometric analysis, (d) spectrophotometric hemoglobin kit, and (e) Combur-9-test urine sticks. RESULTS (1) Neither hematocrit nor spectrophotometry provided reliable detection at low levels of blood contamination. (2) Visual inspection presented with a better discriminatory ability than either Hct or spectrophotometry. (3) Combur-9-test sticks identified up to 50% of blood-contaminated fluids. (4) Spectrophotometrically determined hemoglobin levels presented with weak discriminatory abilities for detecting blood-contaminated fluids. CONCLUSIONS Visual inspection as performed in this study provides a fast and relatively reliable method for the determination of blood-contaminated hFFs. In a laboratory environment, however, it would be recommended that a combination of visual inspection, Hct, and spectrophotometric evaluation be employed for the selection of blood-free fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- P F Levay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
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