The effect of oocyte environment on IVF outcome

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing worldwide and is seen as a global epidemic. Besides the increased risk for non-communicable diseases it is also associated with reproductive failure and often an in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment is needed. Also the offspring of obese mothers is at increased risk for several health problems. The cause of BMI induced reproductive failure is not completely clear yet, but poor oocyte development and quality is seen as an important factor.
The quality of the oocyte is influenced by its microenvironment that consists of the follicular fluid and the granulosa cells that line the follicle. The altered metabolic profile in obese women might alter the microenvironment of the oocyte and play a role in deprived oocyte development. Hormone or cytokine levels in follicular fluid are reported to be related to embryo quality or pregnancy. However, with lifestyle as an important parameter in healthy aging, and the reduced fertility in overweighed women, the levels of lifestyle related components/metabolites like lipids or glucose in follicular fluid, in relation to IVF outcomes are of our main interest.

The metabolic profile in follicular fluid affects oocyte quality and therewith fertility.

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A woman is asked to:
- fill in a food diary in the days preceeding the ovum pick up
- to donate a blood sample on the day of ovum pick-up
- to donate the follicular fluid