Eight-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine in granulosa cells is correlated with the quality of oocytes and embryos in an in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer program

Objective: To determine the effects of oxidative stress on the quality of oocytes and embryos, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in granulosa cells was quantitatively studied during an in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) program. Design: Immunocytochemical staining of 8-OHdG in granulosa cells was quantitatively estimated using a charge-coupled device camera and analyzed using the National Institute of Health Image (NIH Image) freeware on a computer. Setting: Obstetrics and gynecology department in a university hospital. Patient(s): Ninety-six infertile couples undergoing IVF-ET treatment and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF, n = 72; intracytoplasmic sperm injection, n = 24). Intervention(s): Oocytes, granulosa cells, and follicular fluids were collected 35–36 hours after the administration of hCG. Main Outcome Measure(s): 8-OHdG indices were obtained for mural [8-OHdG index (m)] and cumulus [8-OHdG index (c)] granulosa cells. Result(s): A negative correlation between the fertilization rate and both 8-OHdG indices (c and m) was found. The rate of production of good embryos also showed a negative correlation with the 8-OHdG index (m) and the 8-OHdG index (c). Negative correlations between the 8-OHdG index (c) and E 2 levels in follicular fluid were observed. Endometriosis patients showed a higher 8-OHdG index (c) than did patients with other infertility causes, such as tubal, male factor, and unknown. Conclusion(s): Oxidative stress in granulosa cells lowered fertilization rates and subsequently led to a decrease in the quality of embryos. The quality of oocytes for endometriosis patients was impaired by the presence of 8-OHdG. This might be one causative factor in infertility in endometriosis patients.