Сell-free D N A in follicular fluid of women with different parameters of ovarian function

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the follicular fluid (FF) of women undergoing IVF treatment and to analyze the relationship between cfDNA levels and the parameters of folliculogenesis and oogenesis as well as the quality of embryos. Materials and methods. The study included 53 women aged 20 to 45 years. In 49 patients, oocytes were obtained by stimulating ovulation with gonadotropins, and 4 patients underwent natural cycle IVF without hormonal stimulation. Measurement of cfDNA was carried out by fluorimetry using QuantiFluor™ Handheld Fluorometers (BioSilica, Russian Federation). Results. The FF of women with ovulation stimulation revealed a higher level of cfDNA as opposed to FF of women in the natural cycle. There were no differences in the cfDNA levels in women with infertility and oocyte donors. Women with infertility lasting for more than 5 years had a higher level of cfDNA. Women with the elevated anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels were characterized by the high FF cfDNA concentration and a large number of follicles. Likewise, correlation analysis showed that FF cfDNA was significantly and positively correlated with the AMH level. The obtained data revealed the participation of cfDNA in different stages of oogenesis. Conclusions. The level of FF cfDNA in women may serve as an additional biomarker of the effectiveness of ovulation induction.