Metabolic analysis of human follicular fluid by 1H NMR spectroscopy

The correct evaluation of oocyte quality is one of the crucial aspects to succeed in assisted reproductive techniques. Non mature or poor quality oocytes will not be fertilized or will give rise to embryo with low implantation potential. Morphological evaluation is still the primary method of embryo estimation during in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles although with modest predictive value [1]. Follicular fluid (FF) is the in-vivo environment where the oocytes and, later, the embryos develop; contains metabolites important for oocyte growth and development and its composition may indicate embryo viability and oocyte quality. FF is a superfluous and easily available product which is aspirated together with oocyte and represent an optimal source of potential biomarkers of oocyte quality [2]. NMR-based metabolomics of biological fluids is widely applied as NMR is capable of simultaneously detecting a wide variety of metabolites with accuracy and reproducibility with quick responses and minimal sample preparation. The NMR metabolic profile of human FF was studied both from healthy oocyte donors [3] and women affcted by polycystic ovary syndrome [4]. NMR metabolomics was used to determine the relationship between FF metabolite composition, oocyte developmental potential and embryo viability [5]. NMR-based metabolic profiling of FF and plasma was used in a pilot study on IVF patients [6]. The aim of this study is to verify if NMR metabolomics can really be used for identifying suitable biomarkers in FF to select optimal quality oocytes with competence to fertilization, embryo development and, hopefully, positive pregnancy. 1.Singh R, Sinclair KD (2007) Theriogenology 68S, S56-S62 2.Revelli A et al. (2009) Reprod Biol Endocrinol 7:40 3.Piñero-Sagredo E et al (2010) NMR Biomed 23, 485-495 4.Arya BK et al (2012) Med Hypotheses 78(4), 475-478 5.Wallace M et al (2012) Fertil Steril 97(5),1078-1084.e8 6.McRae C et al (2012) Fertil Steril 98(5),1449-1457.e6