Acylcarnitine esters profiling of serum and follicular fluid in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization
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RESEARCH
Open Access
Acylcarnitine esters profiling of serum and follicular fluid in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization Ákos Várnagy1*†, Judit Bene2†, Endre Sulyok3, Gábor L Kovács4, József Bódis1† and Béla Melegh2†
Abstract Background: L-carnitine-mediated beta-oxidation of fatty acids has a well established role in energy supply of oocytes and embryos. Disturbed carnitine metabolism may impair the reproductive potential in IVF and can serve as a biomarker of pregnancy outcome. Methods: Our study was performed between March 24, 2011 and May 9, 2011. We performed 44 unselected IVF cycles, (aged 23–40 years (mean: 32.3+/−5.1 years) and had BMI of 17.3-34.7 (mean: 23.80+/−4.9). Samples were also obtained from 18 healthy women of similar age admitted for minor elective surgery to serve as control for plasma carnitine profile. Serum and follicular fluid (FF) free carnitine (FC) and 20 major acylcarnitines (ACs) were measured by ESI/MS/MS method. Results: Serum FC and AC levels in IVF patients were comparable to those in healthy control women. In FF FC and short-chain AC concentrations were similar to those in maternal serum, however, the levels of medium-chain, and long-chain AC esters were markedly reduced (p6 as compared to the respective values of
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