CoQ10 Supplementation in Patients Undergoing IVF-ET: The Relationship with Follicular Fluid Content and Oocyte Maturity

Abstract

Background: The target of the reduced fecundity with aging is the oocyte. The follicular fluid and its components are strongly linked with the environment of the maturing oocyte. The aim of the present study was to evaluate CoQ10 bioavailability in follicular fluids after oral supplementation and its possible implication in oocyte maturation.

Methods: Fifteen female partners of infertile couples, aged 31⁻46, undergoing IVF-ET and taking 200 mg/day oral CoQ10 were compared to unsupplemented patients. CoQ10 content, its oxidative status and total antioxidant capacity were evaluated also in relation to oocyte maturation indexes.

Results: CoQ10 supplementation produced a significant increase in follicular content and a significant improvement of its oxidative status. Follicular fluid total antioxidant capacity highlighted a significant decrease in patients supplemented with CoQ10, specially in women >35 years. CoQ10 supplementation was associated with a significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity of fluid from follicles containing mature oocyte, moreover CoQ10 oxidative status was also significantly reduced but in follicles containing immature oocyte.

Conclusions: Our observation leads to the hypothesis that the oral supplementation of CoQ10 may improve follicular fluid oxidative metabolism and oocyte quality, specially in over 35-year-old women.

Keywords: Coenzyme Q10; In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET); follicular fluid; oocyte maturity.

Figure 1

Follicular fluid (FF) coenzyme Q10 content in control (CTRn = 51) and supplemented IVF patients (CoQ10n = 69). CoQ10 is expressed both per volume of follicular fluid as µg CoQ10/mL FF (A) or normalized for cholesterol content as nmol CoQ10/mmol Chol (B). Sub analysis in relation to oocyte content as µg CoQ10/mL FF (C) or normalized for cholesterol content nmol CoQ10/mmol Chol (D). ** p < 0.01. (oocyte containing follicles n = 30 CTR; n = 44CoQ).

Figure 2

Follicular fluid (FF) coenzyme Q10 oxidative status and Oxygen Radical Absorbing Capacity (ORAC) in control (CTRn = 51) and supplemented IVF patients (CoQ10n = 69). CoQ10 oxidation is expressed as % of oxidized CoQ10/total CoQ10 (A,B), while ORAC value is expressed as mMTrolox equivalents (C,D). Sub analysis in relation to oocyte content as % of oxidized CoQ10/total CoQ10 (B) or mMTrolox equivalents (D). ** p < 0.01; *** p < 0.001. (oocyte containing follicles n = 30 CTR; n = 44CoQ).

Figure 2

Follicular fluid (FF) coenzyme Q10 oxidative status and Oxygen Radical Absorbing Capacity (ORAC) in control (CTRn = 51) and supplemented IVF patients (CoQ10n = 69). CoQ10 oxidation is expressed as % of oxidized CoQ10/total CoQ10 (A,B), while ORAC value is expressed as mMTrolox equivalents (C,D). Sub analysis in relation to oocyte content as % of oxidized CoQ10/total CoQ10 (B) or mMTrolox equivalents (D). ** p < 0.01; *** p < 0.001. (oocyte containing follicles n = 30 CTR; n = 44CoQ).

Figure 3

Oocyte-containing follicles coenzyme Q10 content and oxidative parameter in control (CTR) and supplemented IVF patients (Q10) in relation to follicle maturation stage. CoQ10 is expressed both per volume of follicular fluid as µg CoQ10/mL FF (A) or normalized for cholesterol content as nmol CoQ10/mmol Chol (B); ORAC value is expressed as mMTrolox equivalents (C) while CoQ10 oxidation is expressed as % of oxidized CoQ10/total CoQ10 (D). ** p < 0.01.

Figure 3

Oocyte-containing follicles coenzyme Q10 content and oxidative parameter in control (CTR) and supplemented IVF patients (Q10) in relation to follicle maturation stage. CoQ10 is expressed both per volume of follicular fluid as µg CoQ10/mL FF (A) or normalized for cholesterol content as nmol CoQ10/mmol Chol (B); ORAC value is expressed as mMTrolox equivalents (C) while CoQ10 oxidation is expressed as % of oxidized CoQ10/total CoQ10 (D). ** p < 0.01.

Figure 4

Age related comparison of CoQ10 concentration expressed as nmol CoQ10/mmol Chol (A) and oxidative parameters such as % of oxidized CoQ10/total CoQ10 (B) and ORAC mMTrolox equivalents (C) values, in untreated (CTR) and supplemented (CoQ10) IVF patients below 35 years (Young) or above 35 years (Old). * p < 0.05.