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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

Published in:

01-03-2019 | Assisted Reproduction Technologies

Lower follicular n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels are associated with a better response to ovarian stimulation

Authors: José-Ignacio Ruiz-Sanz, Irantzu Pérez-Ruiz, Susana Meijide, Marcos Ferrando, Zaloa Larreategui, María-Begoña Ruiz-Larrea

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 3/2019

Abstract

Objectives

To analyze in detail the fatty acid (FA) composition of follicular fluid (FF) from two-sized follicles at oocyte retrieval and to determine associations of the FAs from large follicles with the woman’s age and the response to ovarian stimulation.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

University and fertility clinic.

Patients

Sixty-four women (age 19–46), consisting of unfertile patients and oocyte donors, undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation.

Interventions

None.

Main outcome measure(s)

FF from small (< 12 mm) and large (≥ 18 mm) follicles was collected at oocyte retrieval. FAs by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection.

Result

Thirty-two FAs with chain lengths ranging from 14 to 25 carbons were identified. There was a readjustment in FA distribution as follicle size increased, raising very long-chain saturated FAs, nervonic (24:1n-9), arachidonic (20:4n-6), and n-3 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFA, P < 0.001), the latter mainly due to an increase in docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3, DHA). In large follicles, double bond and peroxidizability indices and total n-3 PUFA, particularly DHA, correlated positively with the woman’s age and negatively with the number of total and mature oocytes, total and top-quality embryos, and fertilization rate.

Conclusions

We have described 32 FAs in ovarian FF, of which 16 changed their distribution with follicle size. The results also indicate that lower n-3 PUFA levels in large follicles, which are associated with younger women, predict a better response to ovarian stimulation based on the recovery of total and mature oocytes, total and top-quality embryos, and fertilization rate per cycle.

Key message

The fatty acid profile of ovarian FF changes as the follicle grows and lower n-3 PUFA levels in large follicles, associated with younger women, predict a better response to ovarian stimulation.

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Title: Lower follicular n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels are associated with a better response to ovarian stimulation
Authors: José-Ignacio Ruiz-Sanz
Irantzu Pérez-Ruiz
Susana Meijide
Marcos Ferrando
Zaloa Larreategui
María-Begoña Ruiz-Larrea
Publication date: 01-03-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-018-1384-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Lower follicular n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels are associated with a better response to ovarian stimulation

Abstract

Objectives

Design

Setting

Patients

Interventions

Main outcome measure(s)

Result

Conclusions

Key message

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Design

Setting

Patients

Interventions

Main outcome measure(s)

Result

Conclusions

Key message

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