Follicular fluid lipid profile assessment using MALDI mass spectrometry

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Fatty acids are important components of the oocyte microenvironment, exhibiting both pro-inflammatory and lipotoxic effects as well as anti-inflammatory effects depending on the presence and quantity of unsaturated bonds. Changes in the lipid profile of follicular fluid in obese patients may be a mechanism that leads to a decrease in oocyte competence and pregnancy rate in assisted reproductive technology programs. However, the available literature data is fragmentary and contradictory, which dictates the need for further research.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the lipid profile of follicular fluid in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology programs with ovarian stimulation depending on the body mass index using MALDI (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization) mass spectrometry.

METHODS: This study involved patients undergoing infertility treatment using assisted reproductive technology in a short protocol using gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists. The levels of essential saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were analyzed in the follicular fluid of the first aspirated follicle using MALDI mass spectrometry.

RESULTS: Two study groups were formed out of 138 patients: patients with normal body mass index (n = 38) and patients with overweight and obesity (n = 76). The latter were characterized by higher levels of myristic and stearic acids and lower levels of oleic acid in the follicular fluid. The level of myristic acid in the follicular fluid positively correlated with the body mass index, while the level of oleic acid negatively correlated with this parameter.

CONCLUSION: The data obtained indicate that overweight and obesity are associated with increased levels of saturated myristic and stearic acids in the follicular fluid, which negatively impact folliculogenesis, as well as a decrease in the level of monounsaturated oleic acid in the follicular fluid, which is able to compensate for the lipotoxic effects of saturated fatty acids.

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About the authors

Manizha R. Mahmadalieva

The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott

Email: 2563737@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-9578-8931
SPIN-code: 1523-0196
Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Julian R. Ryzhov

The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott

Author for correspondence.
Email: julian.ryzhov@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-5073-8279
SPIN-code: 8320-1234
Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Alexey S. Gladchuk

Golikov Research Clinical Center of Toxicology under the Federal Medical Biological Agency; Institute for Analytical Instrumentation RAS

Email: aleglad24@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-4411-2069
SPIN-code: 1117-4865

Cand. Sci. (Engineering)

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg; Saint Petersburg

Ekaterina P. Podolskaya

Institute for Analytical Instrumentation RAS

Email: ek.podolskaya@gmail.com

Dr. Sci. (Engineering)

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Evgeny B. Shustov

Golikov Research Clinical Center of Toxicology under the Federal Medical Biological Agency

Email: shustov-msk@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5895-688X
SPIN-code: 9665-6670

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Professor

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Elena A. Lesik

The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott

Email: lesike@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-1611-6318
SPIN-code: 6102-4690

Cand. Sci. (Biology)

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Evgeniia M. Komarova

The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott

Email: evgmkomarova@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-9988-9879
SPIN-code: 1056-7821

Cand. Sci. (Biology)

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Mariia A. Ishchuk

The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott

Email: mashamazilina@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-4443-4287
SPIN-code: 1237-6373
Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Yanina M. Sagurova

The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott

Email: yanina.sagurova96@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-4947-8171
SPIN-code: 8908-7033
Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Natalia I. Tapilskaya

The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott

Email: tapnatalia@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5309-0087
SPIN-code: 3605-0413

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Professor

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Alexander M. Gzgzyan

The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott

Email: agzgzyan@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-3917-9493
SPIN-code: 6412-4801

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Professor

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Igor Yu. Kogan

The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott

Email: ikogan@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-7351-6900
SPIN-code: 6572-6450

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Professor, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

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Supplementary files

Supplementary Files
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1. JATS XML
2. Fig. 1. Mass spectrum of follicular fluid. The number of carbon atoms and double bonds in the fatty acid is shown in bold.

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3. Fig. 2. Correlations of follicular fluid fatty acid levels with body mass index.

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СМИ зарегистрировано Федеральной службой по надзору в сфере связи, информационных технологий и массовых коммуникаций (Роскомнадзор).
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от 15.07.2002 г.