The effect of human follicular fluid on bovine oocyte developmental competence and embryo quality

• DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.10.008
• Publication Date: 2014-10-22T13:19:02Z
• Authors: Sara D.M. Valckx; Jessie De Bie; Ellen D. Michiels; Ilse G. Goovaerts; Usha Punjabi; Priscila Ramos-Ibeas; Alfonso Gutierrez...; Peter E. Bols; Jo L. Leroy
• Keywords: Follicular fluid; Embryo quality

In this study, the hypothesis that embryo development during routine IVF procedures is determined by the pre-ovulatory follicular fluid composition was tested. Follicular fluid from women with obesity ('obese') and a 'positive' or 'negative' IVF outcome was added during the in-vitro maturation of bovine oocytes. 'Negative' and 'obese' follicular fluid reduced bovine embryo development, compared with laboratory control embryo development (P < 0.05 or P < 0.1). The addition of follicular fluid also altered bovine blastocyst gene expression. Furthermore, LDHA and PPARGC1B gene expression differed between follicular fluid groups. Data suggest that pre-ovulatory follicular fluid can potentially affect oocyte developmental competence and embryo quality. Furthermore, the bovine model may be used as a screening tool.