The assessment of oocyte quality in human in vitro fertilization (IVF) is getting increasing attention from embryologists. Oocyte selection and the identification of the best oocytes, in fact, would help to limit embryo overproduction and to improve the results of oocyte cryostorage programs. Follicular fluid (FF) is easily available during oocyte pick-up and theorically represents an optimal s...

The mammalian oocyte undertakes a highly complex journey to maturity during which it successively acquires a series of characteristics necessary for fertilization and the development of a healthy embryo. While the contribution of granulosa cells to oocyte development has been studied for many years, it has recently become apparent that the oocyte itself plays a key role in directing its own fat...

Ovarian folliculogenesis is regulated by both endocrine and intraovarian mechanisms that coordinate the processes of oocyte growth and somatic cell proliferation and differentiation. Within the follicle, paracrine interactions between the oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells are critical for normal cell development and function. This review focuses on the role of paracrine interactions during...

BACKGROUND The effect of hCG priming on oocyte maturation and subsequently outcome in IVM cycles has remained a debated issue. A randomized controlled study was performed to investigate whether or not hCG priming prior to oocyte aspiration can improve the developmental competence of immature oocytes from unstimulated ovaries in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). METHODS Eighty two...

OBJECTIVE To test the developmental competence of oocytes in a nonhCG-triggered in vitro maturation (IVM) system when oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCC) are retrieved from antral follicles with a diameter of <6 mm. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Tertiary university-based referral center. PATIENT(S) From January 2010 to September 2011, 121 patients with polycystic ovaries/polycystic ...

The role that the transcription factor OCT4 plays during oocyte growth is yet unknown. In this review, we summarise the data on its potential role in the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence in the mouse. These studies describe the presence in MII oocytes and 2-cell embryos of an OCT4 transcriptional network that might be part of the molecular signature of maternal origin on which the...

Fatty acid oxidation is an important energy source for the oocyte; however, little is known about how this metabolic pathway is regulated in cumulus-oocyte complexes. Analysis of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation showed that many are regulated by the luteinizing hormone surge during in vivo maturation, including acyl-CoA synthetases, carnitine transporters, acyl-CoA dehydrogenases and acet...