Increased frequency of sister-chromatid exchange and altered alkaline comet assay scores in superovulation cycles for unexplained infertility.
OBJECTIVE
Sister-chromatid exchange analysis (SCE) and alkaline comet assay measure and analyze DNA damage in mammalian cells. This study assesses whether ovulation induction agents increase DNA damage in the lymphocytes of infertile women undergoing superovulation.


METHODS
Prospective case control study in a university based hospital. Baseline and hCG day peripheral blood samples were withdrawn from 20 women with undergoing superovulation for unexplained infertility and baseline and luteinizing hormone (LH) peak day samples were also withdrawn from another 20 infertile women with unexplained infertility.


RESULTS
There was increased SCE frequency and DNA damage determined by comet assay on the hCG day compared to the basal state. The SCE increase was correlated with the hCG day estradiol (E2) but not with ampoules of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH). The SCE frequency was also increased naturally ovulating women; however this was significantly less than that in FSH receiving women.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased DNA damage may indicate for increased potential for malignancies after superovulation.
Baltaci
Volkan
V
Department of Medical Genetics, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
Zeyneloglu
Hulusi B
HB
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D020552:Comet Assay; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D004249:DNA Damage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012854:Sister Chromatid Exchange; D013480:Superovulation / Q000235:genetics*
D004247:DNA