Older women undergoing IVF can benefit from earlier oocyte retrieval

18.08.2015

According to a study published in the Journal of Endocrinology, earlier oocyte retrieval can help avoid premature follicular luteinization in older women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Doctor Yan-Guang Wu, from the Center for Human Reproduction in New York City, and colleagues compared granulosa cell (GC) function in young oocyte donors (ages 21 to 29; 31 women) and in middle-aged (aged 30 to 37; 64 women) and older (aged 43 to 47; 41 women) infertile patients.

With advancing age, there was downregulation in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor, aromatase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase expression, while upregulation was seen in luteinizing hormone receptor, P450scc, and progesterone receptor, the researchers found.

With aging, GCs exhibited lower proliferation and increased apoptosis upon in vitro culture. In vitro, FSH supplementation stimulated GCs growth and prevented luteinization.

In women aged older than 43 years, human chorionic gonadotropin was administered to advance oocyte retrieval at maximal leading follicle size of 16 mm to avoid premature luteinization.

In a study, patients with earlier retrieval demonstrated only a marginal increase in oocyte prematurity compared with normal cycles in women of similar age, but exhibited improved embryo numbers and quality, as well as respectable clinical pregnancy rates.

"Premature follicular luteinization appears to contribute to rapidly declining IVF pregnancy chances after age 43, and can be avoided by earlier oocyte retrieval," the researchers wrote.

Several authors disclosed financial ties to Fertility Nutraceuticals.

Source: endocrinologyadvisor.com

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