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Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 4/2012

01-04-2012 | Reproductive Medicine

Coenzyme Q10 content in follicular fluid and its relationship with oocyte fertilization and embryo grading

Authors: Angelo Turi, Stefano Raffaele Giannubilo, Francesca Brugè, Federica Principi, Silvia Battistoni, Fabrizia Santoni, Andrea Luigi Tranquilli, GianPaolo Littarru, Luca Tiano

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 4/2012

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Abstract

Background

No data are available on the presence and content of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in human follicular fluid and its role.

Objective

To assess the presence and concentration of CoQ10 in human follicular fluid in relation to oocyte fertilization.

Methods

CQ10 content was measured in follicular fluid obtained from 20 infertile women undergoing ovarian stimulation program for in vitro fertilization. CoQ10 levels were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography system and normalized for follicular cholesterol and protein levels. Oocyte morphology and embryo grading were assessed.

Results

CoQ10/Protein levels resulted significantly in mature versus dysmorphic oocytes. Similarly, CoQ10/Cholesterol was significantly higher in grading I–II versus grading III–IV embryos.

Conclusions

This study is the first demonstration of the presence of CoQ10 in the human follicular fluid. Although the biological and endocrine mechanism of CoQ10 in the follicular fluid and its correlation with oocyte and embryo development is unclear, a new step may be the administration of CoQ10 in infertile women to evaluate the biological and reproductive outcomes.
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Metadata
Title
Coenzyme Q10 content in follicular fluid and its relationship with oocyte fertilization and embryo grading
Authors
Angelo Turi
Stefano Raffaele Giannubilo
Francesca Brugè
Federica Principi
Silvia Battistoni
Fabrizia Santoni
Andrea Luigi Tranquilli
GianPaolo Littarru
Luca Tiano
Publication date
01-04-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 4/2012
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-011-2169-2

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