Follicular fluid lipidomics reveals lipid alterations by LH addition during IVF cycles

Introduction Ovulation induction protocols are key components for performing assisted reproduction treatments successfully. The importance of adding exogenous LH to the controlled ovarian stimulation protocols in young women is still a matter of discussion in the clinical practice. Objective To estimate how LH addition to controlled ovarian stimulation protocols may affect the follicular fluid lipid profile of women undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment. Methods We conducted the study using 28 self-paired samples, 14 per group. The patients received FSH during their first cycle of ovarian stimulation (FSH group). If the treatment did not result in pregnancy, the same patients returned for a new cycle and received stimulus with the addition of LH to the previous protocol (Low-dose-LH group). Lipidomics analysis was performed by UPLC-MS E mass spectrometry. The software Progenesis QI was used to identify potential lipid biomarkers. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 18.0 and MetaboAnalyst 2.0 software. Results The analysis of clinical data showed no statistically significant differences between groups, in contrast to lipidomic analysis. Concerning lipidomic profile, the lipids differentially expressed in FSH group belong to the following subclasses:triacylglycerols; branched fatty acids and diacylglycerophosphoethanolamines; while in Low-dose-LH group the subclasses are gangliosides; acylglycerophosphoethanolamines; triacylglycerols; acylglycerophosphoserines; GalNAcβ1-3Galα1-4Galβ1-4Glc-(Globo series); amino fatty acids; triacylglycerols and prostaglandins. Conclusion The differences found between the groups may contribute to the establishment of potential therapeutical targets based on LH-associated lipid biomarkers aiming to individualize treatments and obtain reproductive success.