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Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology

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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research

Excessive nerve growth factor impairs bidirectional communication between the oocyte and cumulus cells resulting in reduced oocyte competence

Authors: Yiwen Zhai, Guidong Yao, Faiza Rao, Yong Wang, Xiaoyuan Song, Fei Sun

Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

Excessive nerve growth factor (NGF) is commonly found in the follicular fluid of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Furthermore, oocytes from PCOS patients exhibit lower developmental competence. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between excessive NGF and low oocyte competence in vitro.

Methods

Excessive NGF was added to mouse cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) cultured in vitro to investigate meiotic maturation of the oocyte. After culture, mRNA expression levels of Pfkp and Ldha genes in cumulus cells (CCs) and Gdf9, Bmp15 and Fgf8 genes in oocytes, were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). We also investigated the mRNA content of Pfkp and Ldha in CCs from PCOS and non-PCOS patients.

Results

Excessive NGF significantly inhibited oocyte meiotic maturation. The inhibitory effect was mediated by the NGF high-affinity receptor, NTRK1. mRNA content of Pfkp and Ldha genes in CCs was significantly reduced by excessive NGF stimulation. Moreover, the expression levels of Gdf9, Bmp15 and Fgf8 were also decreased in oocytes, and was induced by excessive NGF-stimulated CCs. In addition, lower expression levels of Pfkp and Ldha in CCs were identified in Chinese PCOS patients with excessive NGF (PCOS, 22 ± 2.63 ng/ml, n = 13; non-PCOS, 7.18 ± 2.42 ng/ml, n = 9; p < 0.01) in the follicular fluid, suggesting a potential association between excessive NGF and decreased glycolysis in the CCs of women with PCOS.

Conclusions

Excessive NGF impairs bidirectional communication between oocyte and cumulus cells, which might be related to low oocyte competence.

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Title: Excessive nerve growth factor impairs bidirectional communication between the oocyte and cumulus cells resulting in reduced oocyte competence
Authors: Yiwen Zhai
Guidong Yao
Faiza Rao
Yong Wang
Xiaoyuan Song
Fei Sun
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7827
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-018-0349-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Excessive nerve growth factor impairs bidirectional communication between the oocyte and cumulus cells resulting in reduced oocyte competence

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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