(A kutatást Humán Reprodukciós Nemzeti Laboratórium RRF-2.3.1-21-2022-00012.10 számú
projekt keretében valósult meg.)
Infertility affects millions worldwide, posing a significant global health challenge.
The proteomic analysis of follicular fluid provides a comprehensive view of the complex
molecular landscape within ovarian follicles, offering valuable information on the
factors influencing oocyte development and on the overall reproductive health. The
follicular fluid is derived from the plasma and contains various proteins that can
have different roles in oocyte health and infertility, and this fluid is a critical
microenvironment for the developing oocytes as well. Using the high-performance liquid
chromatography-mass spectrometry method, we investigated the protein composition of
the follicular fluid, and after classification, we carried out relative quantification
of the identified proteins in the pregnant (P) and non-pregnant (NP) groups. Based
on the protein–protein interaction analysis, albumin and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1)
were found to be hub proteins, and the quantitative comparison of the P and NP groups
resulted in a significantly lower concentration of ApoA1 and high-density lipoprotein
cholesterol in the P group. As both molecules are involved in the cholesterol transport,
we also investigated their role in the development of oocytes and in the prediction
of fertility.
