Comparative metabolomic profiling of women undergoing in vitro fertilization procedures reveals potential infertility-related biomarkers in follicular fluid

Author(s)

Dabaja, Mohamed Ziad ; dos Santos, Aline Amaro ; Christofolini, Denise Maria ; Barbosa, Caio Parente ; de Oliveira, Diogo Noin ; de Oliveira, Arthur Noin ; Odir Rodrigues Melo, Carlos Fernando ; Guerreiro, Tatiane Melina ; Catharino, Rodrigo Ramos

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 12, n. 1, p. 11-pg., 2022-11-29.

Abstract

Infertility is a worldwide concern, affecting one in six couples throughout their reproductive period. Therefore, enhancing the clinical tools available to identify the causes of infertility may save time, money, and emotional distress for the involved parties. This study aims to annotate potential biomarkers in follicular fluid that are negatively affecting pregnancy outcomes in women suffering infertility-related diseases such as endometriosis, tuboperitoneal factor, uterine factor, and unexplained infertility, using a metabolomics approach through high-resolution mass spectrometry. Follicular fluid samples collected from women who have the abovementioned diseases and managed to become pregnant after in vitro fertilization procedures [control group (CT)] were metabolically compared with those from women who suffer from the same diseases and could not get pregnant after the same treatment [infertile group (IF)]. Mass spectrometry analysis indicated 10 statistically relevant differential metabolites in the IF group, including phosphatidic acids, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylinositol, glucosylceramides, and 1-hydroxyvitamin D3 3-d-glucopyranoside. These metabolites are associated with cell signaling, cell proliferation, inflammation, oncogenesis, and apoptosis, and linked to infertility problems. Our results indicate that understanding the IF's metabolic profile may result in a faster and more assertive female infertility diagnosis, lowering the costs, and increasing the probability of a positive pregnancy outcome. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/16966-9 - Evaluation of frequency of polymorphism in genes related to estrogen metabolism in infertile women and its correlation with follicular estradiol syntesis
• Grantee: Aline Amaro dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 10/16274-4 - Evaluation of genetic polymorphisms in infertile women, its correlation with stradiol and homocysteine in follicular fluid and peripheral blood, and with human reproduction outcomes
• Grantee: Caio Parente Barbosa
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants