Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone profiles in human follicular fluid and cultured granulosa cells from luteinized pre-ovulatory follicles

Wang

et al. 2014

J Assist Reprod Genet

Purpose To evaluate basal testosterone (T) levels in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles and examine the association between basal T levels and ovarian response or IVF pregnancy outcome. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 1413 infertile Chinese women undergoing their first IVF treatment at our institution's reproductive center from March 2011 to May 2013. The basal testosterone (T) levels in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the relationship between basal T levels and ovarian response or IVF pregnancy outcome were determined. These patients did not have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, and were treated with a long luteal down-regulation protocol. Subjects were divided into 2 groups according to basal testosterone (T) levels: Group 1, basal T values <20 ng/dl (n=473), and Group 2, basal T values >20 ng/dl (n=940). We evaluated the association of basal T levels with ovarian response and IVF outcome in the two groups. Results In this study, BMI, basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, basal luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, antral follicle count (AFC), days of stimulation, total gonadotrophin dose, basal FSH/LH ratio, and the number of follicles >14 mm were significantly different (P<0.05) between the two groups. Basal T level positively correlated with ovarian reserve function, number of follicles >14 mm on human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) day, and total gonadotropin dose. However, basal T levels play no role in predicting IVF pregnancy outcome. Conclusion Basal T level can be used as a good predictor for ovarian response and the number of large follicles on HCG day. Additionally, we may use basal T level as a marker to predict FSH dosage. In general women, lower level of T might relate with potential poor ovarian response. However, based on our data, basal T levels do not predict pregnancy outcome.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Basal serum testosterone levels correlate with ovarian response but do not predict pregnancy outcome in non-PCOS women undergoing IVF

Wang

et al. 2014

J Assist Reprod Genet

“…E 2 and P 4 are two of the main steroid hormones that play essential roles during follicular development. The fate of follicles is then determined by the balance between/ among these factors, and it is believed that E 2 and P 4 play vital roles during the process of folliculogenesis (Kezele & Skinner 2003, Wen et al 2010. Our findings may provide further insight into understanding these processes.…”

Section: Status Healthy Apoptoticmentioning

confidence: 60%

Roles of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP1) cleavage in the ovaries of fetal, neonatal, and adult pigs

Wei¹,

Ding²

2013

Reproduction

Poly(ADP-ribosylation), which occurs rapidly in cells following DNA damage and is regulated by poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), is a post-translational modification of proteins playing a crucial role in many processes, including DNA repair and cell death. Although PARP1 has recently been implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, its role in the process of follicular development and atresia is not yet completely defined. This study was designed to investigate the cellular expression pattern and immunolocalization of PARP1, cleaved PARP1, caspase 3, and cleaved caspase 3 in fetal, neonatal, and adult porcine ovaries. Our results showed that in fetal and neonatal pigs, PARP1 cleavage is involved in the process of oocyte nest breakdown, primordial follicle formation, and transition to primary follicles. The results of immunohistochemistry indicated that PARP1 cleavage was involved in the process of follicular development and atresia, which was in accordance with our previous study; however, it was noted that cleaved caspase 3 was mainly localized in and around the nucleus of apoptotic granulosa cells (GCs), whereas cleaved PARP1 was mainly localized in the nucleus of the apoptotic GCs. RIA data showed increased serum progesterone and estradiol concentrations with age after birth. Collectively, our findings suggest that the PARP1 signaling pathway is involved in oocyte nest breakdown and primordial follicle formation in fetal and neonatal porcine ovaries, but is different from follicular atresia in adult porcine ovaries that involves cellular apoptosis.

“…Even though there was a theory about androgenic intra-follicular environment may lead to follicle atresia, it was also known that a certain value of intra-follicular androgen levels needed for an optimal growth of follicles [1,4,10]. Wen et al (2010) [10] stated that a higher level of steroids will be found on follicles with more mature oocytes and better fertilization rate.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Correlation between Follicular Fluid’s Androgen Level and Fertilization Rate in Poor Responder Patients Undergone IVF: A Prospective Cohort Done in Yasmin IVF Clinic, Jakarta, Indonesia

Wiweko¹

2016

Kme

Introduction. Androstenedione (A4), testosterone (T), and dehidroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are known to be involved in folliculogenesis and follicular maturity. Lower follicular androgen levels in poor responder due to malfunctioned granulosa and theca cells and decreased inhibin B production will decrease FSH and LH. However, androgenic follicular fluid might also induce follicular atresia, decreased oocytes viability, thus affecting fertilization. The aim of current study is to find the correlation between intra-follicular androgen levels and fertilization rate, specifically in poor responder whom contributed in 84% cancelled cycle. Material and Methods. This prospective cohort study was done at Yasmin IVF Clinic, Jakarta, Indonesia, in January 2014-March 2015. Infertile women undergone IVF were asked to participate, grouped into poor responder and other, and the androgen levels in the follicular fluid of each consenting patients were measured. Results. From total 62 patients, aged 23-47 years old (37.6±5,068), there were 21 poor responders, whereas the other 41 patients with other indication. In poor responder group, levels of androstenedione, testosterone, and DHEA were 50.8 -272.3 (103.5 ± 59.9), 383.2 -1747.9 (1114.4 ± 373.2), 11.3 -454.8 (151.3 ± 96.8), whereas in other group the androgen levels were 44.3 -326.8 (95.1 ± 61.2), 414.1 -1463.7 (976.9 ± 258.4), 44.6 -265.8 (132.7 ± 61.3) with the correlation with fertilization rate 0.609, 0.095, and 0.361 respectively. Conclusion. Correlation between follicular androgen levels and fertilization rate found to be not significantly different. The low number of subjects might cause this result, as well as the presence of bias, e.g.male factor and endometriosis might also affect fertilization. A multi-center study with larger sample size added with thorough analysis is needed to reconfirm current data.