Assessment of Association Between Follicular Fluids Glycosaminoglycan and Hydroxyproline and Oocyte Quality in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients in Comparison with Healthy Women

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies in women of childbearing age. As a complex structure, the extracellular matrix and its components, including glycosaminoglycans and collagens, are highly affected by hormonal alterations. In this study, the level of glycosaminoglycan and hydroxyproline present in the follicular fluid of women with the PCOS was measured. Methods: Sixty-two women referred to the infertility center of Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan were examined. Follicular fluid samples were taken from 31 women with PCOS during ovarian puncture. Follicular fluid samples were also taken from 31 healthy women who were treated with assisted reproductive techniques due to infertility related to their husbands. Special kits were used to measure the level of glycosaminoglycans and hydroxyproline. Results: The results showed that there is no age difference between women with PCOS and healthy women. However, our results showed that the body mass index of women with PCOS was significantly higher than healthy women. Examination of oocyte counts showed that women with PCOS have higher oocyte counts than healthy women. Measurement of glycosaminoglycan and hydroxyproline indicated that their levels were meaningfully higher in the follicular fluid of women with PCOS. Conclusion: Finally, the results of this study showed that weight gain and obesity, and increased oocyte production occur commonly in PCOS. Moreover, based on the study results, extracellular matrix changes in PCOS leads to an increase in the level of glycosaminoglycan and hydroxyproline in the follicular fluid. The evaluation of these markers may be a subject of further studies. Keywords * Follicular fluid * Glycosaminoglycans * Hydroxyproline * Oocytes * Polycystic ovary syndrome