Obesity and ultrasound-estimated visceral fat deposits in women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of body mass index (BMI) and ultrasound-estimated visceral adipose tissue deposits on oocyte quality and pregnancy rate in women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures. The study included 58 women who underwent ART procedures. According to their BMI, the women were divided into normal weight and overweight/obese; an ultrasound evaluation of preperitoneal fat thickness (PFT) was also performed for each patient. The oocyte quality was then assessed, and samples of follicular fluid were collected from each woman, in order to evaluate the intrafollicular concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as markers of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß and IL-6) as markers of chronic inflammation. A negative correlation was found between BMI (as well as PFT) and the number of retrieved oocytes (r = -0.3; p <0.05 and r = -0.5; p < 0.001, respectively), good quality oocytes (r = -0.4; p = <0.05) and obtained embryos (r = -0.3; p < 0.05). In women undergoing ART procedures, BMI and PFT negatively influence the number of oocytes retrieved and their quality. However, on multivariable analysis, only age, PFT and number of retrieved oocytes affect the success rate of ART procedures.

Coenzyme Q10 content in follicular fluid and its relationship with oocyte fertilization and embryo grading.

BACKGROUND: No data are available on the presence and content of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in human follicular fluid and its role. OBJECTIVE: To assess the presence and concentration of CoQ10 in human follicular fluid in relation to oocyte fertilization. METHODS: CQ10 content was measured in follicular fluid obtained from 20 infertile women undergoing ovarian stimulation program for in vitro fertilization. CoQ10 levels were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography system and normalized for follicular cholesterol and protein levels. Oocyte morphology and embryo grading were assessed. RESULTS: CoQ10/Protein levels resulted significantly in mature versus dysmorphic oocytes. Similarly, CoQ10/Cholesterol was significantly higher in grading I-II versus grading III-IV embryos. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first demonstration of the presence of CoQ10 in the human follicular fluid. Although the biological and endocrine mechanism of CoQ10 in the follicular fluid and its correlation with oocyte and embryo development is unclear, a new step may be the administration of CoQ10 in infertile women to evaluate the biological and reproductive outcomes.