Zhao Z, Fan Q, Zhu Q, He R, Li Y, Liu C, Wang J, Liang X. Decreased fatty acids induced granulosa cell apoptosis in patients with diminished ovarian reserve.
J Assist Reprod Genet 2022;
39:1105-1114. [PMID:
35347502 PMCID:
PMC9107543 DOI:
10.1007/s10815-022-02462-8]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE
To investigate whether fatty acid changes in granulosa cells (GCs) underly the pathogenic mechanisms of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).
METHODS
GCs were obtained from patients with DOR (n = 70) and normal ovarian reserve (NOR, n = 70). Analysis of fatty acids changes in GCs was then analyzed.
RESULTS
Patients with DOR had significantly lower levels of antral follicle count and anti-Mullerian hormone and higher levels of follicle-stimulating hormone compared with NOR patients (P < 0.001). The good-quality embryo rate was notably decreased in DOR patients (51.99 vs 39.52%, P < 0.05). A total of 15 significantly decreased fatty acids in GCs from patients with DOR. The ATP levels were markedly lower in DOR patients than in NOR patients (39.07 ± 12.89 vs 23.21 ± 13.69%, P < 0.05). Mitochondrial membrane potential decreased in DOR patients (P < 0.01). In GCs from DOR patients, the β-oxidation genes (HADHA and ACSL) and DNA repair genes (PRKDC and RAD50) were significantly downregulated (P < 0.05). The γH2AX foci/nucleus ratio in DOR patients markedly increased relative to that of NOR patients (0.31 ± 0.03 vs 0.87 ± 0.07, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, the apoptosis rate of GCs was significantly higher in DOR patients (6.43 ± 2.11 vs 48.06 ± 6.72%, P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
GC apoptosis resulting from the decrease of fatty acids, and associated with reduced ATP production and DNA damage, may contribute to the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for DOR.
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