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Mol. Hum. Reprod. Advance Access originally published online on May 29, 2009
Molecular Human Reproduction 2009 15(7):411-419; doi:10.1093/molehr/gap034
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© The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org

Superoxide dismutase expression in human cumulus oophorus cells

L. Matos1,2,3, D. Stevenson4, F. Gomes5,6, J.L. Silva-Carvalho5,6 and H. Almeida1,2,7

1Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal 2 IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal 3 FCNAUP-Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Dr Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal 4Unit of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital S. João, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal 5Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal 6 CETI Centro de Estudo e Tratamento da Infertilidade, 4100-118 Porto, Portugal

7 Correspondence address. almeidah{at}med.up.pt

Success in assisted reproductive techniques (ART) is influenced by gamete and embryo quality but the assessment of these parameters has been thwarted by the lack of reliable biomarkers. Follicular fluid and cumulus oophorus cells may provide biomarkers due to their close relationship to the oocyte. These cells produce antioxidants and thus protect the oocyte from oxidative damage exerted by reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS and antioxidants are known to intervene in reproductive physiology and pathology, but their roles are unclear. It is hypothesized that superoxide dismutase (SOD), a first line antioxidant enzyme, is associated with oocyte quality. Cells obtained in the course of ART for the treatment of infertility due to male factor or female pathology were processed for SOD intracellular isoforms (CuZnSOD and MnSOD) immunodetection, total SOD activity and isoforms content. Cells presented strong positive staining for CuZnSOD and MnSOD. SOD activity decreased with increasing female age but was increased in endometriosis and in ovulatory dysfunction. When male factor was the cause for infertility, successful ART was associated with higher SOD activity. Variations in SOD emphasize the relevance of oxidative stress in the oocyte maturation process. These variations also suggest that SOD is a potential biomarker for ART success.

Key words: assisted reproductive techniques/cumulus oophorus/oxidative stress/superoxide dismutase

Submitted on February 17, 2009; resubmitted on May 11, 2009; accepted on May 13, 2009.


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