The association of hormone receptor and telomere length of human cumulus cells with oocyte and embryo development

In mammalian ovaries, the maturation of oocytes relies on the surrounding granulosa and cumulus cells to provide appropriate nutrients. In order to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy, it is important to reduce the number of embryostransferred as well as to develop non-invasive assessment of oocyte and embryo quality.Follow the Cumulus cells have the privilege to serve as a good material for diagnosis without any harm to oocytes and embryos. The specific aim of this study is to explore the effect of telomere length and hormone receptor gene expression in cumulus cells on oocyte maturation and embryonic development. Oocyte and cumulus cells were separated under microscope, cumulus DNA and mRNA are purified, and the effect of relative telomere length, LH receptor, FSH receptor, progesterone receptor and androgen receptor on oocyte maturation and embryonic development was carried out via real-time quantitative RT-PCR. Our results show significant lower FSH receptor and progesterone receptor expression in advanced age females when compared to those in young females; FSH receptor and progesterone receptor expression is also lower in more matured oocytes and embryos with better qualities. Negative correlation was found between relative telomere length and age, oocyte maturity and embryo quality. Taken together, the findings here demonstrated FSH receptor, progesterone receptor and telomere length in cumulus cells could be an important index for human oocyte maturation and embryonic development.