Elevated levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein and of catalase activity in follicular fluid of obese women

Abstract

The intrafollicular levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and of enzyme antioxidants might contribute to reproductive disorders in obese and infertile women. Relevant data are missing. Eighty-four patients were grouped according to obese versus non-obese status and whether they had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The concentrations of oxLDL and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) in the serum and follicular fluid were measured. Obese women with and without PCOS had significantly greater amounts of oxLDL in the follicular fluid as compared with non-obese women. The level of oxLDL in the follicular fluid was 1000 times lower than in serum. Obese women with and without PCOS had significantly higher catalase activity in the follicular fluid as compared with non-obese women. No differences were found for the SOD activity in the follicular fluid. The GPx and GR activities were up-regulated in obese patients without and with PCOS, yet not in respect to each serum and follicular fluid sample. We conclude that elevated levels of oxLDL in the follicular fluid of obese women are associated with higher catalase activity; both parameters are independent of PCOS. The levels of oxLDL and catalase activity appear to indicate different degrees of oxidative stress.

Protein modification as oxidative stress marker in follicular fluid from women with polycystic ovary syndrome: the effect of inositol and metformin

“…Some studies have consistently found increased concentration of OS markers in the follicular fluid (FF) from obese or PCOS patients when compared to controls and a relationship between increased OS level and poor outcome after in vitro fertilization has been reported [4,5]. It has been extensively reported that the effective reduction of insulin resistance obtained with metformin restores regular menstrual cycles, ovulation and improves fertility [6][7][8].…”

Comparison of the Paraoxonase and Arylesterase Activities in Follicle Fluid of Females with PCOS in ICSI Cycle

“…[21][22][23][24] In addition, it has been reported that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) which starts the atherogenesis, through foam cell formation and inflammatory responses, were found to be higher in women with PCOS than in controls. 25,26 Contrary to this process; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. 27,28 Due to its small size (lower than 300 kDa); the permanent of HDL is possible to the FF.…”

Application of dietetics in reproductive medicine

“…In women who ovulate, each increase in BMI by one unit within the range of values above 29 results in a decrease in the chances for spontaneous conception by 5% [5]. However, when in the situation of application of assisted reproductive technologies in obese women, the chance for obtaining pregnancy is lower than in women with normal BM [10,11,12]. El-Toukhky et al concluded that, based on the review of 152 literature reports, obesity is related with a 3-fold increase in the risk of infertility in females, as well as the reduction of chances for successful IVF treatment [2].…”