[Circulating nucleic acids and infertility]

Abstract

Circulating nucleic acids (cell-free DNA and microRNAs) have for particularity to be easily detectable in the biological fluids of the body. Therefore, they constitute biomarkers of interest in female and male infertility care. Indeed, in female, they can be used to detect ovarian reserve disorders (polycystic ovary syndrome and low functional ovarian reserve) as well as to assess follicular microenvironment quality. Moreover, in men, their expression levels can vary in case of spermatogenesis abnormalities. Finally, circulating nucleic acids have also the ability to predict successfully the quality of in vitro embryo development. Their multiple contributions during assisted reproductive technology (ART) make of them biomarkers of interest, for the development of new diagnostic and/or prognostic tests, applied to our specialty. Circulating nucleic acids would so offer the possibility of personalized medical care for infertile couples in ART.

Keywords: ADN libre; Acides nucléiques circulants; Assistance médicale à la procréation; Assisted reproductive technology; Cell-free DNA; Circulating nucleic acids; Embryo quality; Follicular micro-environment; Infertilité masculine; Male infertility; Microenvironnement folliculaire; Ovarian reserve; Qualité embryonnaire; Réserve ovarienne; microARNs; microRNAs.