Follicular fluid alterations in endometriosis: label-free proteomics by MS^Eas a functional tool for endometriosis

Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition that affects 10-32% of women of reproductive age and may lead to infertility. The study of protein profiles in follicular fluid may assist in elucidating possible biomarkers related to this disease. For this, follicular fluid samples were obtained from women with tubal factor or minimal male factor infertility who had pregnancy outcomes after in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment (control group, n = 10), women with endometriosis (endometriosis group, n = 10), along with the endometrioma from these same patients were included (endometrioma group, n = 10). For proteomic analysis, samples were pooled according to their respective groups and normalized to protein content. Proteins were analyzed by in tandem mass spectrometry (MS(E)) Spectra processing and the ProteinLynx Global Server v.2.5. was used for database searching. Data was submitted to the biological network analysis using Cytoscape 2.8.2 with ClueGO plugin. As a result, 535 proteins were identified among all groups. The control group differentially or uniquely expressed 33 (6%) proteins and equal expression of 98 (18%) proteins was observed in the control and endometriosis groups of which 41 (7%) proteins were further identified and/or quantified. Six (1%) proteins were observed in both the endometriosis and endometrioma groups, but 212 (39%) proteins were exclusively identified and/or quantified in the endometrioma group. There were 9 (1%) proteins observed in both the control and endometrioma groups and there were 139 (25%) proteins common among all three groups. Distinct differences among the protein profiles in the follicular fluid of patients included in this study were found, identifying proteins related to the disease progression and IVF success. Thus, some pathways related to endometriosis are associated with the presence of specific proteins, as well as the absence of others. This study provides a first step to the development of more sensitive diagnostic tests and treatment.

The Role of Oxidative Stress and Membrane Transport Systems during Endometriosis: A Fresh Look at a Busy Corner

“…This increase in OS status in FF has been recently found also in follicles surrounding an endometrioma, as assessed using proteomics by mass spectrometry, and has been proposed to account for spindle disruption [ 93 ]. Similarly, in FF of women with both mild and severe endometriosis, Da Broi et al found increased follicular 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, an indicator of oxidative DNA damage [ 94 , 95 ].…”

Is the oocyte quality affected by endometriosis? A review of the literature

“…The presence of a normal spindle is a pre-requisite for the acquisition of an adequate cytoplasmic and nuclear maturation, and the subsequent oocyte competence [32]. In this context, the presence of an increase oxidative stress status in the FF, has been recently confirmed in follicles surrounding an endometrioma - using proteomics by mass spectrometry [33]– and has been proposed as the culprit of spindle disruption. Accordingly, Da Broi et al found an increase follicular 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, an indicator of oxidative DNA damage, in the FF of women with both mild and severe endometriosis [34, 35].…”

Follicular Fluid redox involvement for ovarian follicle growth

“…Endometriosis is another condition where, apart from some controversy [93], enhanced oxidation was recognized [41, 94–96]. In endometriosis, under the action of the cyclical hormonal changes, an inflammatory reaction is triggered in the proximity of ectopic endometrial cell implants, resulting in attraction of inflammatory cells that activate ROS production by NADPH oxidases.…”