Mitochondrial deletions in luteinized granulosa cells as a function of age in women undergoing in vitro fertilization.
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions are more prevalent in granulosa cells from women of advanced reproductive age than from younger women undergoing IVF.


METHODS
Granulosa cells screened for presence or absence of the 4977-bp deletion in human mtDNA.


METHODS
University-based fertility clinic.


METHODS
Twenty-four women divided equally between two groups: </=34 years old and >/=38 years old.


METHODS
Patients were given gonadotropin stimulation in preparation for IVF with granulosa cells isolated at the time of follicular aspiration.


METHODS
Presence or absence of the 4977-bp deletion in human mtDNA.


RESULTS
Seven out of 12 women analyzed who were <38 years old and 0 out of 12 women who were >38 years old had normal mtDNA as indicated by the presence of the 4977-bp fragment.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that women over the age of 38 have granulosa cells that contain a substantial decrease in the level of normal mitochondria as compared with women </=34 years.
Seifer
David B
DB
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, USA. seiferdb@umdnj.edu
DeJesus
Vimaris
V
Hubbard
Karen
K
D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D017353:Gene Deletion; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D034461:Luteinization
D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial