Effects of hyperhomocysteinemia on follicular development and oocytes quality
Lu Wang,
Jinmei Gao,
Jie Ma,
Jing Sun,
Yajie Wang,
Jia Luo,
Zhaoyang Wang,
Hui Wang,
Jialing Li,
Danyu Yang,
Jinfang Wang,
Rong Hu
Affiliations
Lu Wang
Ningxia Medical University, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China
Jinmei Gao
Ningxia Medical University, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China
Jie Ma
Ningxia Medical University, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China
Jing Sun
Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China
Yajie Wang
Ningxia Medical University, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China
Jia Luo
Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China
Zhaoyang Wang
Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China
Hui Wang
Reproductive Medicine Center, Yinchuan Women and Children Healthcare Hospital, Ningxia, China
Jialing Li
Reproductive Medicine Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China
Danyu Yang
Ningxia Medical University, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China
Jinfang Wang
Department of Obstetrician, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China
Rong Hu
Reproductive Medicine Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China; Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China; Corresponding author
Summary: In patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the concentration of homocysteine (Hcy) in follicular fluid is inversely correlated with oocyte and embryo quality. Nevertheless, other metabolic abnormalities associated with PCOS may also impact oocyte and early embryo quality. Therefore, it remains uncertain whether reproductive function is affected in patients without PCOS with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). Here, we observed reduced fertility, increased ovarian atretic follicles, and reduced oocyte maturation rates in HHcy mice. Proteomic analyses revealed that HHcy causes mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced expression of zona pellucida proteins (ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3) in oocytes. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed abnormal formation of the zona pellucida and microvilli in oocytes from HHcy mice. Additionally, in vitro fertilization (IVF) demonstrated a reduction in the rate of 2-cell embryo formation in HHcy mice. These findings reveal that HHcy reduces female reproductive longevity by affecting follicular development and oocyte quality.
