Further study and characterization of the yellow pigments in follicular fluid that are related to oocyte quality.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the 455-nm (yellow) absorbing pigments in human follicular fluid (FF).


METHODS
Serum and FF samples obtained from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization were analyzed for carotenoids, bilirubin, and beta-glucuronidase concentrations. Spectrophotometric analysis in the visible spectrum was performed on FF samples, and the delta OD455 absorbance was calculated.


RESULTS
Thin-layer chromatography confirmed the presence of beta-carotene and bilirubin in FF. The mean (+/- SD) contribution of bilirubin and carotenoids to the FF delta OD455 absorbance was 64% +/- 9.6% and 22.7% +/- 12.1%, respectively. Bilirubin fractions in serum and FF samples were then compared. The median unconjugated bilirubin concentration in FF was lower than that in the serum (0.130 versus 0.288 mg/dL; P < 0.0001). The median conjugated bilirubin concentration was higher in the FF when compared with the serum (0.129 versus 0.101 mg/dL; P = 0.0018). beta-Glucuronidase levels in the FF were significantly lower when compared with serum concentrations.


CONCLUSIONS
Bilirubin is the major contributor to the FF 455-nm spectrophotometric peak. The higher levels of conjugated bilirubin noted in the FF could in part be explained by the lower levels of beta-glucuronidase.
Bayer
S R
SR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New England Memorial Hospital, Stoneham, Massachusetts 02180.
Zeind
A J
AJ
Turksoy
R N
RN
Emmi
A M
AM
Reindollar
R H
RH
D001663:Bilirubin / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000032:analysis; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D005966:Glucuronidase / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D010860:Pigments, Biological / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D013053:Spectrophotometry; D019207:beta Carotene
D010860:Pigments, Biological; D019207:beta Carotene; D002338:Carotenoids; D005966:Glucuronidase; D001663:Bilirubin