Fatty Acid Concentration of Human Follicular Fluid and Fertilization Rate in Assisted Reproductive Techniques

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25861502
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Obstetrics and gynecology
• Research Institution: University of the Ryukyus
• Principal Investigator: MEKARU Keiko 琉球大学, 医学部附属病院, 講師 (30444912)
• Research Collaborator: CHIAKI Heshiki 琉球大学, 医学部附属病院, 助教 (20529341) ; KOZUE Akamine 琉球大学, 医学部附属病院, 助教 (30452246) ; HITOSHI Sugiyama 沖縄科学技術大学院大学, サイエンス・テクノロジー・グループ, リサーチサイエンティスト ; CHINATSU Nagata 琉球大学, 医学部附属病院, 胚培養士 ; KEIYA Gibo 琉球大学, 医学部附属病院, 胚培養士
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 多価不飽和脂肪酸 / 体外受精・胚移植 / 不妊症 / 食生活

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFA) are essential fatty acids that are utilized as an energy source for oocyte nuclear maturation to embryonic development; therefore, their concentrations in follicular fluid may be used as an indicator for determining the quality of eggs and embryos. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between fertility and embryonic quality and the concentration of each polyunsaturated fatty acid in follicular fluid using in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) procedure.
Polyunsaturated fatty acid fractions (17 fatty acids) from the serum and follicular fluid during ovulation were analyzed using the gas chromatography method. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid / n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio indicates a positive correlation with fertility, it is suggested that eating fish, including EPA and DHA is related to fertilization.

Free Research Field

生殖内分泌分野