Autophagy activity is increased in the cumulus cells of women with poor ovarian response.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the autophagy status of cumulus cells (CCs) in women with poor ovarian response (POR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CCs were divided into normal ovarian response (NOR) group and POR group. The ultrastructure of autophagy was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (NOR n = 18, POR n = 26). The mRNA and protein of autophagy markers were detected by Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (NOR n = 15, POR n = 19) and Western blotting (NOR n = 41, POR n = 38), respectively. RESULTS: Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated abundant autophagosomes and even autophagic death in the POR group. There were no differences in LC3 and P62 mRNA expression between the two groups (p > 0.05). The BCL2 mRNA expression was lower in the POR group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the LC3 II/I ratio and the P62 protein expression were significantly higher in the POR group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Autophagy in CCs of POR women is activated and the autophagic flux is blocked. The up-regulation of autophagy in CCs may be related to the pathogenesis of POR.