Advancing Age May Decrease Mitochondrial Activity in Cumulus Cells

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Cellular Biology
• Infertility Research

Background:

• Mitochondrial function in cumulus cells (CCs) is crucial for oocyte quality and embryo development.
• Age-related decline in mitochondrial activity may impact fertility outcomes.
• Understanding these factors is essential for improving assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare mitochondrial activity in CCs between younger and older women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
• To identify factors influencing mitochondrial activity in CCs.
• To investigate the association between mitochondrial activity and blastocyst quality.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 80 infertile women undergoing ICSI, divided into age groups (≥38 and <38 years).
• Mitochondrial activity in CCs was assessed using MitoTracker and Mean Fluorescence Intensity (MFI).
• Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify influencing factors and associations.

Main Results:

• Women aged ≥38 showed significantly lower MFI in CCs compared to younger women (p=0.005).
• Maternal age (≥38), total gonadotropin dose, and GnRHa triggering affected MFI, with maternal age remaining significant in multivariable analysis.
• Male age, but not maternal age or CC mitochondrial activity, was associated with high blastocyst quality.

Conclusions:

• Advancing maternal age is linked to decreased mitochondrial activity in CCs.
• Mitochondrial activity in CCs does not appear to influence blastocyst quality.
• Male age may serve as a predictor for achieving high-grade blastocysts in ART.