Influence of follicular fluid and cumulus cells on oocyte quality: clinical implications

Abstract

An equilibrium needs to be established by the cellular and acellular components of the ovarian follicle if developmental competence is to be acquired by the oocyte. Both cumulus cells (CCs) and follicular fluid (FF) are critical determinants for oocyte quality. Understanding how CCs and FF influence oocyte quality in the presence of deleterious systemic or pelvic conditions may impact clinical decisions in the course of managing infertility. Given that the functional integrities of FF and CCs are susceptible to concurrent pathological conditions, it is important to understand how pathophysiological factors influence natural fertility and the outcomes of pregnancy arising from the use of assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs). Accordingly, this review discusses the roles of CCs and FF in ensuring oocyte competence and present new insights on pathological conditions that may interfere with oocyte quality by altering the intrafollicular environment.

Symposium review: Mechanisms of disruption of fertility by infectious diseases of the reproductive tract

“…Mature oocytes are essentially transcriptionally silent; all required mRNA for fertilization and postfertilization processes, up to the stage of activation of the zygote genome, must be packaged into the preovulatory oocyte. Their origin is largely from the surrounding cumulus cells, emphasizing again the importance of the intimate association between oocyte and cumulus (Da Broi et al, 2018a). It is now clear that "oocyte competence" refers to much more than the ability to be fertilized and complete meiosis.…”

“…It is now clear that "oocyte competence" refers to much more than the ability to be fertilized and complete meiosis. Oocyte quality is an important factor required for successful development to blastocyst stage, and even into the fetal stage of development, if not beyond (Vannuccini et al, 2016;Albertini, 2018;Da Broi et al, 2018a).…”

S100‐A9 protein in exosomes derived from follicular fluid promotes inflammation via activation of NF‐κB pathway in polycystic ovary syndrome

“…The accumulation of follicular fluid is mainly formed by the secretion of granulosa cells, theca cells and oocytes as well as by diffusion of plasma components from capillaries to the antrum . The major components of follicular fluid are proteins, steroids, metabolites and polysaccharides . Follicular fluid is the medium for bi‐directional communication between oocytes and the surrounding somatic cells .…”

“…13,14 The major components of follicular fluid are proteins, steroids, metabolites and polysaccharides. 15,16 Follicular fluid is the medium for bi-directional communication between oocytes and the surrounding somatic cells. 17 These cells can produce growth factors and cytokines that contribute to the regulation of ovarian function through paracrine/autocrine systems.…”

Updating the markers for oocyte quality evaluation: intracellular temperature as a new index

“…Cumulus cells are critical for oocyte maturation, ovulation, and fertilization, 33 and are a determinant of oocyte quality. 34 Cumulus cells support energy production in the cumulus-oocyte complex. 35,36 Additionally, cumulus cells that surround oocytes may protect against the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS).…”