Coenzyme Q10 supplementation of human oocyte in vitro maturation reduces postmeiotic aneuploidies

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on oocyte maturation rates and postmeiotic aneuploidy rates during in vitro maturation (IVM) of human oocytes.

Design: Clinical laboratory observation.

Setting: Hospital and university laboratories.

Patient(s): Forty-five patients aged ≥38 years and 18 patients aged ≤30 years undergoing in vitro fertilization.

Intervention(s): The germinal vesicle-stage oocytes and associated cumulus cells were cultured in IVM media for 24-48 hours with or without 50 μmol/L CoQ10. Oocyte maturation rates were determined based on the presence or absence of the first polar body. Postmeiotic aneuploidies were determined using next-generation sequencing analyses of biopsied polar bodies.

Main outcome measure(s): Oocyte maturation rates, postmeiotic oocyte aneuploidy rates, and chromosome aneuploidy frequencies.

Result(s): In women aged 38-46 years, 50 μmol/L CoQ10 significantly increased oocyte maturation rates (82.6% vs. 63.0%; P=.035), reduced oocyte aneuploidy rates (36.8% vs. 65.5%; P=.020), and reduced chromosome aneuploidy frequencies (4.1% vs. 7.0%; P=.012. In women aged ≤30 years, we failed to demonstrate an effect of CoQ10 on oocyte maturation rates or postmeiotic aneuploidies.

Conclusion(s): CoQ10 supplementation during IVM increased oocyte maturation rates and reduced postmeiotic aneuploidies for older women.

Keywords: Coenzyme Q10; aneuploidy; human oocyte; in vitro maturation.