(Epi)genetic mechanisms involved in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and in vitro culture strategies for recovering immature oocytes

• Grant number: 23/05255-9
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2024
• End date: May 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: Rosana Maria dos Reis
• Grantee: Rosana Maria dos Reis
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Pesquisadores principais: Rui Alberto Ferriani
• Associated researchers: Anderson Marliere Navarro ; Cristiana Libardi Miranda Furtado ; Ester Silveira Ramos ; Gilvan Pessoa Furtado ; Juliano Rodrigues Sangalli
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/14482-1 - Data Management 1, BP.TT

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial and complex disease, determined by chronic anovulation associated with clinical or laboratorial hyperandrogenism and ovarian morphology with a polycystic aspect, being the main cause for infertility based on ovulatory factor. POS affects up to 6-17% of women and is frequently associated with metabolic dysfunctions, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, diabetes, and arterial hypertension. Its physiopathology is not completely elucidated, which means that it could be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The epigenetic mechanisms are considered key factors in the syndrome's etiology, considering that environmental changes could reprogram the epigenome abhorrently and start a series of clinical responses, such as chronic anovulation and infertility. Oocyte quality could be a limiting factor, even with in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, due to low oocyte quality and reproductive capacity, associated with grand follicular recruitment, which does not reflect in the number of mature oocytes. This project's aim is to categorize the (epi)genetic profile of different PCOS' clinical phenotypes, including oocytes and cumulus cells, as well as establish oocytes' in vitro culture strategies for infertile PCOS women in the IVF cycle. This investigation could provide new molecular markers and related routes in order to elucidate the involved mechanisms in PCOS' physiopathology and, additionally, identify new therapeutic strategies and clinical treatment for infertility women in the IVF cycle. Another challenge is to enable an effective and safe tool for immature oocyte retrieval, providing a greater gamete supply for IVF or even for fertility preservation. (AU)