Eight-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in granulosa cells is correlated with the quality of oocytes and embryos in an in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer program.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of oxidative stress on the quality of oocytes and embryos, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in granulosa cells was quantitatively studied during an in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) program. DESIGN: Immunocytochemical staining of 8-OHdG in granulosa cells was quantitatively estimated using a charge-coupled device camera and analyzed using the National Institute of Health Image (NIH Image) freeware on a computer . SETTING: Obstetrics and gynecology department in a university hospital. PATIENT(S): Ninety-six infertile couples undergoing IVF-ET treatment and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF, n = 72; intracytoplasmic sperm injection, n = 24). INTERVENTION(S): Oocytes, granulosa cells, and follicular fluids were collected 35-36 hours after the administration of hCG. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): 8-OHdG indices were obtained for mural [8-OHdG index (m)] and cumulus [8-OHdG index (c)] granulosa cells. RESULT(S): A negative correlation between the fertilization rate and both 8-OHdG indices (c and m) was found. The rate of production of good embryos also showed a negative correlation with the 8-OHdG index (m) and the 8-OHdG index (c). Negative correlations between the 8-OHdG index (c) and E2 levels in follicular fluid were observed. Endometriosis patients showed a higher 8-OHdG index (c) than did patients with other infertility causes, such as tubal, male factor, and unknown. CONCLUSION(S): Oxidative stress in granulosa cells lowered fertilization rates and subsequently led to a decrease in the quality of embryos. The quality of oocytes for endometriosis patients was impaired by the presence of 8-OHdG. This might be one causative factor in infertility in endometriosis patients.

Endometriosis and oocyte quality.

Endometriosis is associated with marked subfertility and various causes for this subfertility have been previously studied. The poor quality of oocytes has been suggested as one possible cause. In this study, we evaluated the quality of oocytes by examining the status of granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte. For this purpose, we analysed the incidence of apoptosis, changes in cell cycle, and oxidative stress in the granulosa cells. Endometriosis patients had a higher apoptotic incidence, more alterations of the cell cycle, and a higher incidence of oxidative stress than patients with any of the other infertility causes (tube, male, and idiopathic factors). These changes might affect oocyte quality, and thus fertility in endometriosis patients.