High bone morphogenetic protein-15 level in follicular fluid is associated with high quality oocyte and subsequent embryonic development

Abstract

Background: Bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP-15) has been shown to influence oocyte maturation and quality. However, no relationship has been established between BMP-15 and oocyte quality/embryonic development in humans. The aim of this study is to investigate BMP-15 level in human follicular fluid (FF) and its possible role in determining oocyte quality and developmental potential. Methods: A total of 79 occytes and their corresponding FF from 79 women undergoing ICSI were examined. Individual oocytes were inseminated and subsequently assessed on the basis of their fertilization, cleavage and preimplantation development. BMP-15, FSH, estradiol (E2) and progesterone levels of FF were also analysed via the techniques of western blot or radioimmunoassay. Results: Higher FF BMP-15 levels were observed in the fertilized and cleaved groups versus the unfertilized and uncleaved groups, respectively (P < 0.05). The best (Grade I) embryo morphology was associated with higher FF BMP-15 levels than Grade II or III embryos (P < 0.01). A significant positive correlation was found between BMP-15 and E2 levels in the same follicle. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that the BMP-15 level in FF appears to be a potential factor in predicting oocyte quality and subsequent embryo development, and is correlated with E2 level, which may additionally be a valuable predictor of oocyte fertilization. © The Author 2007. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved.