Proteomics & Glyco-Proteomic Analysis of Follicular Fluid

• Conditions: Normal Volunteers; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• Interventions: Drug: IVF Antagonist Protocol

• Registration Number: NCT01487486
• Lead Sponsor: University of Cincinnati

Brief Summary

To the best of the investigators knowledge, exhaustive characterization of the low and high abundant proteins and glyco-proteins of the Follicular Fluid (FF) has not yet been achieved. Such an analysis may provide critical molecular data on the role of the FF in oocyte maturation and may identify specific changes in the FF proteome of patients with gynecologic problems, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Specific Aims

1. To perform a comprehensive analysis of normal human FF using sensitive mass spectrometry in combination with conventional approaches for proteomic evaluation and using HPLC and Western blot for glyco-proteomic analysis.

2. Characterize differential proteomic and glyco-proteomic patterns of the FF in normal women compared to lean and obese women with PCOS.

3. To supplement the differential proteomic and glyco-proteomic analysis with steroid hormone analysis in all FF samples.

Detailed Description

In this study, we plan to utilize ultrasensitive mass spectrometry (MS) and other conventional proteomic approaches to identify the low and high abundant proteins present in human FF. Additionally, we plan to use high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Western blot techniques to evaluate the Neu5Gc and glycan array based ELISA techniques to detect anti-Neu5Gc antibody profile in human FF. This analysis will be performed on FF samples obtained from normal women undergoing In-Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfers (IVF-ET) for a male factor alone and oocyte donors from our 3rd Party Reproduction Program and from lean and obese women with PCOS. This study will provide information on protein, glycoprotein, and steroid hormone expression during normal folliculogenesis and during the pathologic condition of PCOS, which should also provide basic scientific information on normal and abnormal oocyte development.

Human FF bathes the developing oocyte. Previous studies indicate that the FF contains cytokines, steroidal and protein hormones, and growth factors. The presence of proteins with such significant biological properties implies a paracrine and autocrine role for the FF in promoting normal oocyte development. Furthermore, the presence of any antigenic sialic acid Neu5Gc and the presence of antibodies targeting these antigenic glycoconjugates (glycolipid and glycoproteins decorated with sialic acid) may interfere with oocyte development, hormonal expression, fertilization, and possibly implantation. Here we hypothesize that an exhaustive proteomic and glyco-proteomic characterization of human FF is essential for a thorough understanding of its biological significance. We also hypothesize that PCOS may have differential expression of the FF protein and glyco-protein milieu, and that the expression may differ further between lean and obese women with PCOS. PCOS represents a heterogeneous disorder. The severity of hyperandrogensim, metabolic and menstrual disturbance, and obesity is variable with up to 40% not clinically expressing signs of classic hyperandrogenism. On the other hand, these atypical, often lean, PCOS women can have impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes. Reports suggest that these lean PCOS women have altered serum IGFBP-1, a characteristic endocrine feature of patients with obese PCOS, and related to hyperinsulinemia and/or obesity. The lean phenotype of PCOS and its significance is unclear but may represent a cryptic or unexpressed form of PCOS or may be a prelude to individuals who will later manifest clinical signs of obese/overweight PCOS. Changes in expression may be expected because of the different amounts of steroidal hormones and inflammatory markers in the FF derived from women with PCOS.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2011-11-16
• Status Verified: 2011-12
• Study Start: 2011-12
• Study First Submitted QC: 2011-12-05
• Last Update Submitted: 2011-12-05
• Study First Posted: 2011-12-07
• Last Update Posted: 2011-12-07
• Primary Completion: 2013-12
• Study Completion: 2014-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 30

Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Normal patients	IVF Antagonist Protocol	Women with infertility diagnosis of male factor only or women who are oocyte donors
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, High BMI	IVF Antagonist Protocol	Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with a BMI between 30-35
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Low BMI	IVF Antagonist Protocol	Women with Polycustic Ovary Syndrom with a BMI between 20 \& 25

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Proteomic analysis	Participants will be followed for one IVF cycle including pregnancy outcomes, on average this will be 6-8 weeks.	For proteomic analysis the follicular fluid samples will be either directly analyzed by MS or will be processed to deplete albumin which is likely to be present in very high abundance in the FF.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Hormone analysis	Participants will be followed for one IVF cycle including pregnancy outcomes, on average this will be 6-8 weeks.	An aliquot of FF from each patient will be analyzed for the following steroid hormones: progesterone, 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, estradiol, and dihydrotestosterone.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Center for Reproductive Health; 🇺🇸 Cincinnati, Ohio, United States