Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity in Immature Oocytes and Cumulus Cells of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Metaphase II oocytes (MII) from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) frequently have impaired oocyte competence. Since telomere maintenance is important for folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, and early embryonic development, we sought to verify the implications of PCOS on telomere length and telomerase activity in immature oocytes and cumulus cells. 43 PCOS and 67 control women were included, and anthropometric, biochemical, and hormonal characteristics were evaluated. The telomere length in germinal vesicle stage (GV) and in metaphase I (MI) oocytes, as well as in the cumulus cells of immature (CCI) and mature oocytes (CCM), and in leukocytes was measured by qPCR. The telomerase activity in reproductive cells was evaluated by the TRAPeze® XL Kit. The body mass index (p = 0.001), LH (p = 0.015), estradiol (p = 0.004), insulin (p = 0.002), testosterone (p < 0.0001), androstenedione (p = 0.001), free androgen index (p < 0.0001), and c-reactive protein (p = 0.003) were greater, while the FSH (p = 0.0002) was lower in the PCOS group. The telomere length in the CCI (p = 0.649) and CCM (p = 0.378) did not differ between the PCOS and the control groups. On the other hand, telomerase activity in the CCI (p = 0.003) and CCM (p = 0.022) was higher in the PCOS group. In the leukocyte's cells, the telomere length was reduced in the PCOS group (p = 0.025). In the GV and MI oocytes, no differences were observed in telomere length and telomerase activity between the groups. We showed that telomere length is not altered in reproductive cells from PCOS. However, higher telomerase activity in the CCI and CCM may be required for telomere length maintenance.

The impact of examining the meiotic spindle by polarization microscopy on assisted reproduction outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of submitting oocytes to polarization microscopy (PM) before intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: University hospital in Brazil. PATIENT(S): Couples undergoing ICSI. INTERVENTION(S): PM before ICSI (PM group) compared with no PM before ICSI (No-PM group) MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE(S): Fertilization and cleavage rates, formation of top-quality embryos (TQEs), and implantation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live-birth rates. RESULT(S): The PM group consisted of 1,000 consecutive oocytes from 201 couples submitted to PM during the year of 2008. The No-PM group consisted of 1,400 oocytes from 249 couples: 700 consecutive oocytes were retrieved before we started using PM and 700 consecutive oocytes were retrieved after we stopped using PM. In the PM group, we observed an increased fertilization rate (79.7% vs. 72.5%, PM group vs. No-PM group, respectively) but reduced cleavage rate (86.2% vs. 92.5%) and TQE formation (33.1% vs. 49.9%). Implantation (18.7% vs. 20.6%), clinical pregnancy (31.8% vs. 33.3%), miscarriage (21.9% vs. 15.7%), and live-birth (24.9% vs. 28.1%) rates were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION(S): Use of PM was associated with increased fertilization rate but reduced cleavage rate and TQE formation; no significant difference was observed for implantation, clinical pregnancy, or live-birth rates.