Decreased fatty acids induced granulosa cell apoptosis in patients with diminished ovarian reserve.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To investigate whether fatty acid changes in granulosa cells (GCs) underly the pathogenic mechanisms of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).

Methods

GCs were obtained from patients with DOR (n = 70) and normal ovarian reserve (NOR, n = 70). Analysis of fatty acids changes in GCs was then analyzed.

Results

Patients with DOR had significantly lower levels of antral follicle count and anti-Mullerian hormone and higher levels of follicle-stimulating hormone compared with NOR patients (P < 0.001). The good-quality embryo rate was notably decreased in DOR patients (51.99 vs 39.52%, P < 0.05). A total of 15 significantly decreased fatty acids in GCs from patients with DOR. The ATP levels were markedly lower in DOR patients than in NOR patients (39.07 ± 12.89 vs 23.21 ± 13.69%, P < 0.05). Mitochondrial membrane potential decreased in DOR patients (P < 0.01). In GCs from DOR patients, the β-oxidation genes (HADHA and ACSL) and DNA repair genes (PRKDC and RAD50) were significantly downregulated (P < 0.05). The γH2AX foci/nucleus ratio in DOR patients markedly increased relative to that of NOR patients (0.31 ± 0.03 vs 0.87 ± 0.07, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, the apoptosis rate of GCs was significantly higher in DOR patients (6.43 ± 2.11 vs 48.06 ± 6.72%, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

GC apoptosis resulting from the decrease of fatty acids, and associated with reduced ATP production and DNA damage, may contribute to the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for DOR.

SUBMITTER: Zhao Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9107543 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature