Zhi-hong Fu1, Wen-jie Zhu, Xue-mei Li, Xiu-min Chen, Fu-qi Xing. 1. Department of Reproductive Healthcare, Shenzhen Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, Shenzhen 518049, and Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China. fzhlxylxw@yahoo.com.cn
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine the expression of uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) in the granular cell of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and explore its role in embryo development. METHODS: In this prospective study, the levels of UCP2 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by the chemiluminescence method in the granular cell of 53 women. RESULTS: Women with low UCP2 level had higher ROS level, suggesting an inverse relationship between them (r=-0.578, P<0.01), and their oocyte development was impaired. Granular cells of elder women exhibited lowered UCP2 expression. CONCLUSION: The granular cells increase UCP2 expression to suppress the elevation of intracellular ROS level through a feedback mechanism and therefore protect the oocytes against oxidative stress.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the expression of uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) in the granular cell of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and explore its role in embryo development. METHODS: In this prospective study, the levels of UCP2 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by the chemiluminescence method in the granular cell of 53 women. RESULTS:Women with low UCP2 level had higher ROS level, suggesting an inverse relationship between them (r=-0.578, P<0.01), and their oocyte development was impaired. Granular cells of elder women exhibited lowered UCP2 expression. CONCLUSION: The granular cells increase UCP2 expression to suppress the elevation of intracellular ROS level through a feedback mechanism and therefore protect the oocytes against oxidative stress.