Follicular Fluid Exosome miRNA During Oocyte Maturation

NCT ID: NCT04382872

Last Updated: 2025-08-13

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: RECRUITING
• Total Enrollment: 60 participants
• Study Classification: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2021-04-30
• Study Completion Date: 2026-04-30

Brief Summary

Folliculogenesis involves the recruitment of primordial follicles into a group of growing follicles in which eventually one follicle is selected, matured and ovulated. Complex endocrine and intra-ovarian paracrine interactions occur to create a changing intra-follicular hormonal milieu suitable for oocyte development. However, this oocyte developmental competence and to undergo fertilization and embryogenesis is impaired in aged women. Diminished ovarian function is generally attributed to decreased quantity and quality of oocytes and their surrounding granulosa cells during ovarian aging, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

The aim of the study is to investigate the miRNA in (follicular fluid) FF exosome in young and aged women and their relationship to egg maturation.

Detailed Description

In recent decades, demographic and socioeconomic factors have resulted in marked changes in human society that include postponement of child bearing and a subsequent rise in mean age at first childbirth. Aged women have more reproductive problems (including menstrual irregulation and decreased ovarian reserve as reflected by reduced anti-mullerian hormone (AMH)) and their oocytes are often of lower quality when compared to younger women.

Folliculogenesis involves the recruitment of primordial follicles into a group of growing follicles in which eventually one follicle is selected, matured and ovulated. Complex endocrine and intra-ovarian paracrine interactions occur to create a changing intra-follicular hormonal milieu suitable for oocyte development. However, this oocyte developmental competence, defined as the ability of the oocyte to complete follicular development, and to undergo fertilization and embryogenesis is impaired in aged women. Age-related decline in female fertility is mainly driven by ovarian aging, or diminished ovarian function associated with age. Diminished ovarian function is generally attributed to decreased quantity and quality of oocytes and their surrounding granulosa cells during ovarian aging, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Transcription studies have suggested indirectly that some age-related changes in oocyte gene expression and cell to cell communication may involve epigenetic machinery.

Ovarian follicle may be one of the best models in human for exosome study considering the role of the granulosa cells and follicular fluid for oocyte maturation. In the ovarian follicle, follicular fluid (FF) exosome may play an important mediated communication role between the oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells.

The aim of the study is to investigate the miRNA in (follicular fluid) FF exosome in young and aged women and their relationship to egg maturation.

Conditions

Oocyte Maturation

Study Design

• Observational Model Type: COHORT
• Study Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

1. Women aged 20 to 45;

2. BMI > 19 & < 35;

3. Women who is planning to perform invitro fertilization (IVF) together with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for their fertility problems

Exclusion Criteria

1. Positive pregnancy test before taking study medications;

2. Women with BMI>35 kg/m2;

3. Women with known chromosomal translocation, recurrent abortions or those carrying Fragile X;

4. Women with endometriosis

• Minimum Eligible Age: 20 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 45 Years
• Eligible Sex: FEMALE
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Chinese University of Hong Kong

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Chung Pui Wah Jacqueline

Associate Professor

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong, , Hong Kong

Site Status: RECRUITING

Countries

Hong Kong

Facility Contacts

Pui Wah Chung

Role: primary

jacquelinechung@cuhk.edu.hk

85235051537

Wing Ching Cheung, PhD

Role: backup

cosycheung@cuhk.edu.hk

85235051764

Other Identifiers

2019.137

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id