Li-Te Lin1,2,3, Peng-Hui Wang3,4,5,6,7, San-Nung Chen2, Chia-Jung Li8, Zhi-Hong Wen9, Jiin-Tsuey Cheng1, Kuan-Hao Tsui2,3,10. 1. a Department of Biological Science , National Sun Yat-sen University , Kaohsiung , Taiwan. 2. b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital , Kaohsiung , Taiwan. 3. c Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine , Taipei , Taiwan. 4. d Division of Gynecology , Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan. 5. e Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , National Yang-Ming University Hospital , Ilan , Taiwan. 6. f Immunology Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan. 7. g Department of Medical Research , China Medical University Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan. 8. h Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University , Taiwan. 9. i Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources , National Sun Yat-sen University , Kaohsiung , Taiwan , and. 10. j Department of Pharmacy and Graduate Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology , Tajen University , Pingtung County , Taiwan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Growing studies have demonstrated that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may improve fertility outcomes in poor ovarian responders (PORs). The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and cumulus cell (CC) expression before and after DHEA treatment in PORs undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. METHODS: Six patients with poor ovarian response were enrolled in the study according to Bologna criteria. DHEA was supplied at least 2 months before patients entered into the next IVF cycle. Expression of apoptosis-related genes in CCs was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity of CCs was assessed by cell counting kit-8 assay. RESULTS: Metaphase II oocytes, maturation rate, embryos at Day 3, and fertilization rate significantly increased following DHEA treatment. Expression of cytochrome c, caspase 9, and caspase 3 genes in CCs were significantly reduced after DHEA therapy. Additionally, increased mitochondrial activity of CCs was observed following DHEA supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: DHEA supplementation may protect CCs via improved mitochondrial activity and decreased apoptosis, leading to better clinical outcomes in PORs.
BACKGROUND: Growing studies have demonstrated that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may improve fertility outcomes in poor ovarian responders (PORs). The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and cumulus cell (CC) expression before and after DHEA treatment in PORs undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. METHODS: Six patients with poor ovarian response were enrolled in the study according to Bologna criteria. DHEA was supplied at least 2 months before patients entered into the next IVF cycle. Expression of apoptosis-related genes in CCs was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity of CCs was assessed by cell counting kit-8 assay. RESULTS: Metaphase II oocytes, maturation rate, embryos at Day 3, and fertilization rate significantly increased following DHEA treatment. Expression of cytochrome c, caspase 9, and caspase 3 genes in CCs were significantly reduced after DHEA therapy. Additionally, increased mitochondrial activity of CCs was observed following DHEA supplementation. CONCLUSIONS:DHEA supplementation may protect CCs via improved mitochondrial activity and decreased apoptosis, leading to better clinical outcomes in PORs.