Effect of Non-Esterified Fatty Acids on Oocyte and Granulosa Cell Growth in Vitro

The occurrence of a negative energy balance (NEB) and concurrent metabolic changes may be responsible for impaired reproductive performance. A characteristic metabolic feature of NEB is the mobilization of body fat, reflected in an increased plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration. High plasma concentration of NEFA is reflected in elevated NEFA follicular concentrations. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of different non-esterified fatty acids on oocyte and granulosa cell growth. Oocytes and granulosa cells were exposed to physiological and supra-physiological concentrations (in follicular fluid) of non-esterified fatty acids (Stearic acids:10, 20, 30 and 40μM or Palmitic acid: 20 40, 60 and 80μM or Oleic acid 40, 80, 120 and 160μM). The oocyte growth was measured in terms of the viability, maturation, cleavage, morulae/ blastocysts yield while granulosa cells growth was measured in terms of viability, cell number increment, cell metabolism, monolayer formation, support to oocyte growth and reversibility of functions after elimination of metabolic stressors (non-esterified fatty acids). We found that Oleic acid (40 and 80 μM) was beneficial to the oocyte and granulosa cell growth, Palmitic acids had no significant effect and stearic acid (30μM) was most inhibitory to oocyte and granulosa cell growth. The effect of different non-esterified fatty acids in combo levels on ovarian cell functions are in progress.