Telomere Length in Human Polar Body and Telomere Length in Cumulus Cells: A Clinical Validation Study

Does the Telomere Length in First Human Polar Body Correlates With the Telomere Length in Cumulus Cells: A Clinical Validation Study

To investigate whether telomere length (TL) of the first Polar body (PB) correlates with TL in Cumulus cells (CC)

With the present study we want to analyze, as a primary objective, whether telomere length (TL) in the first Polar Body (PB) correlates with TL in the corresponding Cumulus cells (CC). As a secondary objective, a possible correlation between TL in PBs and blastocyst TL and ploidy will be evaluated.

To our best knowledge, there are no studies evaluating TL in CC and TL in PBs of the corresponding oocyte. With the present prospective study, we sought to investigate whether there is a correlation between CC-TL and PB-TL. If a correlation exists, CC-TL assessment would serve as a valuable non-invasive technique to gain information about oocyte competence.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI 18- 30kg/m2
• Expected normo/high responders
• Normal female/male karyotype
• Antagonist protocol with agonist trigger.
• PGT-A: NGS in blastocysts
• Fresh autologous ejaculates (≥5 mill/ml)
• Primary and secondary infertility
• Only ICSI as insemination technique

Exclusion Criteria:

• PCOS patients according to International evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovarian syndrome 2018.