Coenzyme Q10 restores oocyte mitochondrial function and fertility during reproductive aging. Ben-Meir A et al. (2015) Female reproductive capacity declines dramatically in the fourth decade of life as a result of an age-related decrease in oocyte quality and quantity. The primary causes of reproductive aging and the molecular factors responsible for decreased oocyte quality remain elusive. Here, we show that aging of the female germ line is accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction associated with decreased oxidative phosphorylation and reduced Adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) level. Diminished expression of the enzymes responsible for CoQ production, Pdss2 and Coq6, was observed in oocytes of older females in both mouse and human. The age-related decline in oocyte quality and quantity could be reversed by the administration of CoQ10. Oocyte-specific disruption of Pdss2 recapitulated many of the mitochondrial and reproductive phenotypes observed in the old females including reduced ATP production and increased meiotic spindle abnormalities, resulting in infertility. Ovarian reserve in the oocyte-specific Pdss2-deficient animals was diminished, leading to premature ovarian failure which could be prevented by maternal dietary administration of CoQ10. We conclude that impaired mitochondrial performance created by suboptimal CoQ10 availability can drive age-associated oocyte deficits causing infertility.//////////////////
Expression regulated by
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Ovarian localization
, Follicular Fluid
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Coenzyme Q10 content in follicular fluid and its relationship with oocyte fertilization and embryo grading. Turi A et al. BACKGROUND: No data are available on the presence and content of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in human follicular fluid and its role. OBJECTIVE: To assess the presence and concentration of CoQ10 in human follicular fluid in relation to oocyte fertilization. METHODS: CQ10 content was measured in follicular fluid obtained from 20 infertile women undergoing ovarian stimulation program for in vitro fertilization. CoQ10 levels were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography system and normalized for follicular cholesterol and protein levels. Oocyte morphology and embryo grading were assessed. RESULTS: CoQ10/Protein levels resulted significantly in mature versus dysmorphic oocytes. Similarly, CoQ10/Cholesterol was significantly higher in grading I-II versus grading III-IV embryos. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first demonstration of the presence of CoQ10 in the human follicular fluid. Although the biological and endocrine mechanism of CoQ10 in the follicular fluid and its correlation with oocyte and embryo development is unclear, a new step may be the administration of CoQ10 in infertile women to evaluate the biological and reproductive outcomes.