Study on the presence of homocysteine in ovarian follicular fluid.
OBJECTIVE
To study the presence of homocysteine, methionine and the vitamins folate, B12, and B6 in human ovarian follicular fluid (FF).


METHODS
Measurement of homocysteine, methionine, folate, and vitamins B12 and B6 in ovarian FF and blood.


METHODS
Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Radboud Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.


METHODS
Fourteen healthy women undergoing an IVF program.


RESULTS
Detectable amounts of homocysteine and methionine were found in FF. Homocysteine concentrations were similar to those in serum. Methionine concentrations proved to be slightly but significantly lower than in corresponding serum samples. Concentrations of vitamins B12 and B6 were significantly lower in FF than in serum, whereas folate concentrations were not significantly different. A statistically significant correlation between corresponding serum and FF concentrations of homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 could be established.


CONCLUSIONS
These data support the hypothesis that the ovum might be exposed to high homocysteine or low methionine concentrations, or both, and a lack of vitamins, which might be important in fertilization and early embryogenesis.
Steegers-Theunissen
R P
RP
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, St. Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Steegers
E A
EA
Thomas
C M
CM
Hollanders
H M
HM
Peereboom-Stegeman
J H
JH
Trijbels
F J
FJ
Eskes
T K
TK
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008715:Methionine / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D011736:Pyridoxine / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D012016:Reference Values; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood
D006710:Homocysteine; D005492:Folic Acid; D008715:Methionine; D011736:Pyridoxine; D014805:Vitamin B 12