EC Gynaecology

The presented study explores the importance of amphiregulin and insulin-like growth factor II concentrations within a follicular fluid, and their relationship with gene expression in mural granulosa cells, particularly in the context of infertility. The investigation specifically targets polycystic ovary syndrome and considers patients' body mass index, as well as the impact of those proteins on oocyte quality.

A total of thirty-three women were recruited at the University Clinic of Saarland Fertility Centre (Homburg, Germany). Follicular fluid aspiration involved single/individual aspiration of follicles, enabling a 1:1 correlation with retrieved oocytes. In total 108 follicular fluid and mural granulosa cell samples were analyzed.

Amphiregulin and insulin-like grown factor II levels were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of amphiregulin and insulin-like grown factor II was analyzed by StepOnePlus™ real-time PCR system using TaqMan fast advanced master mix assays. Results reveal that the concentration of amphiregulin and insulin-like grown factor II in follicular fluid statistically differs between healthy and infertile patients. Additionally, the results reveal that infertility diagnosis, especially polycystic ovary syndrome, affects amphiregulin concentration in follicles.

The concentration of amphiregulin in the follicular fluid significantly differs between patients based on body mass index. What is more, some findings such as the correlation between patients' body mass index and amphiregulin expression as well as between amphiregulin concentration and oocyte quality are entirely new.

In conclusion, by recognizing and highlighting the relationship between amphiregulin and infertility as well as oocyte quality, we contribute to the growing body of knowledge on reproductive biology and potentially pave the way for targeted interventions or treatments aimed at optimizing oocyte quality and enhancing fertility outcomes. This research underscores the importance of non-invasive biomarkers in optimizing assisted reproductive techniques.

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