Mitochondrial deletions in luteinized granulosa cells as a function of age in women undergoing in vitro fertilization

Abstract

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.

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

Setting: University-based fertility clinic.

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

Intervention(s): Patients were given gonadotropin stimulation in preparation for IVF with granulosa cells isolated at the time of follicular aspiration.

Main outcome measure(s): Presence or absence of the 4977-bp deletion in human mtDNA.

Result(s): 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.

Conclusion(s): 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.