Cell-free DNA as a new biomarker of IVF success, independent of any infertility factor, including endometriosis

Cell-free DNA fragments detected in blood and in other biological fluids are released from apoptotic/necrotic cells. In this study, we analyzed cfDNA levels in follicular fluid (FF) samples from patients with infertility. Samples were collected from 178 infertile women and cfDNA was extracted and qu...

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Published in:Diagnostics (Basel) 2023-01, Vol.13 (2), p.1-13
Main Authors: Casteleiro Alves, Maria Manuel, Oliani, Luísa, Almeida, Micaela, Cardoso, Henrique José, Oliani, António Hélio, Breitenfeld, Luiza, Ramalhinho, Ana Cristina
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Apoptosis
Biomarkers
cfDNA
Embryo quality
Embryos
Endometriosis
Failure
Follicular fluid
Hospitals
In vitro fertilization
Infertility
Informed consent
IVF success
Mitochondrial DNA
Morphology
Ovaries
PCOS
Plasma
POF
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Pregnancy
Science & Technology
Sexual intercourse
Success
Womens health
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Summary:Cell-free DNA fragments detected in blood and in other biological fluids are released from apoptotic/necrotic cells. In this study, we analyzed cfDNA levels in follicular fluid (FF) samples from patients with infertility. Samples were collected from 178 infertile women and cfDNA was extracted and quantified by qPCR, using ALU115 and ALU247 primers, and statistical correlations were performed. We found that cfDNA concentration was significantly higher in FF pools from women aged 35 and over than in women under 35 years of age ( p = 0.017). We also found that q247 cfDNA levels were significantly higher in women with an associated female factor, such as endometriosis, PCOS and POF, compared with women with no specific cause of infertility ( p = 0.033). The concentration of cfDNA did not vary significantly in each group of women with an associated female factor. The concentration of cfDNA was significantly higher in the FF of women that obtained embryos with a high fragmentation rate, compared to embryos with a low fragmentation rate ( p = 0.007). Finally, we found that women who did not become pregnant during IVF treatments had higher q247 cfDNA levels ( p = 0.043). The quantification of cfDNA could be an important biomarker of follicular micro-environment quality to predict embryo quality and the success of IVF, making them more specific and effective. This work was developed within the scope of the CICS-UBI projects UIDB/00709/2020 and UIDP/00709/2020, and financed by national funds through the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology/MCTES.
ISSN:2075-4418
2075-4418
DOI:10.3390/diagnostics13020208