HDL functionality in follicular fluid in normal-weight and obese women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) exert pleiotropic roles in follicular fluid (FF). Previous studies have reported a relationship between obesity, infertility, and systemic oxidative stress. The aim of our study was to investigate for the first time the HDL functional properties in FF in obesity.

METHODS:

In this observational study, overweight/obese (n = 20) and normal-weight women (n = 38) undergoing assisted reproductive technology were included. Compositional properties and biochemical marker of functionality (HDL oxidation rate), HDL-associated antioxidants (paraoxonase-1 activities and CoQ10 content), and lipid hydroperoxide levels were evaluated in FF from normal-weight and overweight/obese women. Correlations between biochemical parameters and indices for oocyte and embryo quality were studied.

RESULTS:

FF-HDL obtained from overweight/obese women are characterized by high intrinsic ability to be oxidized compared with FF-HDL from normal-weight women. These alterations are associated with lower activities of paraoxonase-1 (PON1), higher levels of lipid peroxidation, and a lower total antioxidant capacity in FF. Moreover, an association between PON1 activity and FF-HDL oxidation and clinical parameter of oocyte quality was observed.

CONCLUSION:

Our data suggest that the quality of FF-HDL is important determinant for oocyte quality. Therefore, targeting FF-HDL functionality, in addition to FF-HDL-C levels, may represent a promising and interesting biomarker for reproductive outcomes.

• Authors: Tiziana Bacchetti, Camilla Morresi, Arianna Vignini, Luca Tiano, Patrick Orlando, Nina Montik, Andrea Ciavattini, Gianna Ferretti
• Journal: Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics (J Assist Reprod Genet) Vol. 36 Issue 8 Pg. 1657-1664 (Aug 2019) ISSN: 1573-7330 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 31338723 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Observational Study)

Chemical References

• Lipoproteins, HDL
• Aryldialkylphosphatase

Topics

• Adult
• Aryldialkylphosphatase (metabolism)
• Body Mass Index
• Female
• Follicular Fluid (metabolism)
• Humans
• Infertility (metabolism, therapy)
• Lipid Peroxidation
• Lipoproteins, HDL (metabolism)
• Obesity (metabolism, physiopathology)
• Oxidation-Reduction
• Oxidative Stress
• Pregnancy
• Reproductive Techniques, Assisted