The Association Between Follicular Fluid Sialic Acid Levels, Oocyte Quality, and Pregnancy Rates

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Sialic acid residues are crucial in physiological and pathological processes.
• Understanding their role in oocyte quality and IVF outcomes is important.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure sialic acid levels in follicular fluid from women undergoing IVF.
• To investigate correlations between these levels and IVF parameters, including oocyte quality and clinical pregnancy outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Follicular fluid was collected from mature follicles of women undergoing IVF after gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment.
• Correlation analysis was performed between follicular fluid total sialic acid (FF-TSA) levels and oocyte quality parameters.
• Comparisons were made between FF-TSA levels and clinical parameters such as body mass index, hormone levels, infertility duration, gonadotropin dosage, and pregnancy outcomes.

Main Results:

• FF-TSA levels showed a positive correlation with germinal vesicle oocytes and metaphase I oocytes.
• No significant correlation was found between FF-TSA levels and body mass index, serum hormone levels, infertility duration, or total gonadotropin dose.
• Mean FF-TSA levels were higher in patients who achieved clinical pregnancy (86.1±35.19 mg/dl) compared to those who did not (73.64±22.15 mg/dl).
• FF-TSA levels positively correlated with immature oocytes, suggesting a potential role in oocyte maturation or protection against oxidative stress.

Conclusions:

• Follicular fluid sialic acid levels are associated with oocyte maturation stages and may be a predictive marker for clinical pregnancy in IVF.
• The observed correlation with immature oocytes warrants further investigation into sialic acid's role in oocyte development and resilience.