Abstract
Research question
Is low MFN2 expression associated with ageing in granulosa cells as well as assisted
reproductive technology (ART) outcome, and what is the underlying mechanism of action
of MFN2?
Design
In a prospective study, fresh granulosa cells were obtained from 161 women aged 20–40
years who underwent IVF with embryo transfer and who were divided into two groups:
the diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) group (n = 51) and the control group (n = 110). Patient characteristics including age, infertility duration, body mass index,
FSH, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC) and husband's semen
parameters and granulosa cell MFN2 expression levels, cell apoptosis, mitochondrial
membrane potential (ΔΨm) and ATP levels were analysed.
Results
There were no significant differences between the DOR and control groups in terms
of age, infertility duration and husband’’ semen parameters; however, significant
(P< 0.05) changes were found between the two groups in FSH, AMH and AFC levels. MFN2
expression was remarkably lower in granulosa cells from the DOR group and decreased
in both groups as age increased. Furthermore, among young patients, MFN2 levels significantly
increased in patients with pregnancy. MFN2 protein levels and cell apoptosis were
lower in the MFN2 knockdown (MFN2-siRNA) group than in the control (Cy3-siRNA) group.
ΔΨm and ATP levels were reduced in the MFN2-siRNA group compared with the Cy3-siRNA
group.
Conclusions
Low MFN2 expression levels in granulosa cells were related to ageing, which may be
involved in the clinical outcome of ART by promoting cell apoptosis and affecting
mitochondrial function.
Keywords
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Biography
Wenpei Xiang is Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the Family Planning Research Institute. She focuses on oogenesis, POF and female reproductive endocrinology. Her team tries to address the effect and mechanism of mitofusin 2 (MFN2) on oogenesis and explore the pathogenesis of premature ovarian failure.Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 14, 2018
Accepted:
October 23,
2018
Received in revised form:
October 20,
2018
Received:
June 5,
2018
Declaration: The authors report no financial or commercial conflicts of interest.Identification
Copyright
© 2018 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
