DHEA restores mitochondrial dynamics of cumulus cells by regulating PGAM5 expression in poor ovarian responders

Abstract

ObjectivePoor ovarian responder (POR) poses a significant challenge for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Previous studies have suggested that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may improve IVF outcomes in POR. The current study attempts to investigate the clinical benefits of DHEA in POR and the possible mechanism of DHEA on cumulus cells (CCs). Materials and methodsA total of 60 women who underwent IVF treatment participated, including 22 normal ovarian responders (NORs) and 38 PORs. PORs were assigned to receive DHEA supplementation (n = 18) or not (n = 20) before IVF cycles. For all patients, CCs were obtained after oocyte retrieval. In the CCs, mRNA expression of mitochondrial dynamics relataed genes were measured. ResultsSupplementation of DHEA in POR reduced mitochondrial fission in CCs and decreased the expression of PGAM5 in CCs. ConclusionThe benefit of DHEA supplementation on IVF outcomes in POR is significant, and this effect may be mediated in part through improved mitochondrial dynamics in CC.