Preconception folic acid treatment affects the microenvironment of the maturing oocyte in humans

Variations in folate pathway genes are associated with unexplained female infertility

“…Negative correlations between follicular fluid homocysteine concentrations and the degree of maturity of retrieved oocytes (24) and in vitro embryo quality on culture day 3 have also been reported (25). However, the results of a recent study have shown a positive correlation between follicular homocysteine concentrations and diameter of the follicle (10). Hyperhomocysteinemia also affects IVF outcome, as pregnancy and implantation rates have been shown to be significantly lower, whereas the abortion rate is higher in women with elevated homocysteine concentrations (26).…”

“…In humans, preconception folic acid supplementation has been shown to increase folate levels and decrease those of homocysteine in follicular fluid (10). In addition, regular use of multivitamin supplements including folate has recently been reported to decrease the risk of anovulatory infertility (11).…”

The association between homocysteine in the follicular fluid with embryo quality and pregnancy rate in assisted reproductive techniques

“…Women receiving folic acid supplementation had significantly lower homocysteine concentrations in their follicular fluid [5]. A link between folic acid and ovarian function was noted in studies on rhesus monkeys in 1982 showing that a folate-restricted diet led to irregular menstrual cycles, whereas pre-ovulatory serum estradiol as well as midluteal progesterone concentrations decreased progressively when compared with animals under normal diet.…”

Hyperhomocysteinemia and MTHFR gene 677 C>T polymorphism: questionable role in female infertility

“…14,15 Increased plasma and follicular homocysteine levels negatively correlate with oocyte maturation leading to a number of development defects of the oocyte that impede fertilization and/or the reproductive outcome in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients undergoing assisted reproduction. 16,17 Hence, this study was planned to evaluate serum homocysteine levels, prevalence of MTHFR polymorphism in infertile women and to evaluate the role of hyperhomocysteinemia and MTHFR 677 C>T mutation in female infertility.…”