Journal of Capital Medical University ›› 2021, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (4): 526-532.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-7795.2021.04.004

• Menopause, Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Preservation • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The improved protective efficacy of combined antioxidants on cryopreserved and thawed human ovarian tissue

Li Yanglu, Ruan Xiangyan*, Cheng Jiaojiao, Zhou Qi, Du Juan, Jin Fengyu, Gu Muqing   

  1. Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100026, China
  • Received:2021-05-18 Online:2021-08-21 Published:2021-07-29
  • Contact: * E-mail:ruanxiangyan@ccmu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    Capital Medical University (PYZ20058),Natural Science Foundation of Beijing (7202047),Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospitals' Ascent Plan (DFL20181401).

Abstract: Objective To investigate the protective efficacy of antioxidants N-acetyl-L-cysteine(NAC) and taurine(T) based on the currently used human ovarian tissue cryopreservation and thawing protocol in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, in order to better preserve the viability of follicles and stroma cells, and improve the folliculogenesis potential. Methods The currently used cryopreservation and thawing protocol in our center was set as control group (group C), with addition of 5 mmol NAC (group N) or 0.5 mmol taurine (group T), or with addition of 5 mmol NAC and 0.5 mmol taurine (group N+T). Ovarian tissues from 16 patients were assigned into the 4 groups randomly. The biopsies were cryopreserved and thawed according to the standard operation procedure in our center. After thawing, HE staining and Calcein-AM staining were conducted to evaluate the morphological characteristics and follicle viability. After cultured in vitro for 4 days, the 17β-estradiol (E2) and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH)were measured, and the level of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also detected. Results All 4 groups obtained good preservation of follicle integrity and viability without statistical significance(P>0.05). After 4 days culture, E2 concentration in culture medium showed no significant difference in 4 groups (P>0.05), AMH concentration in group N+T were significantly higher than that in group C (P<0.05). Group N and Group N+T had lower ROS levels than group C (P<0.05). Conclusions The addition of NAC alone or taurine alone or combination of NAC and taurine could preserve the integrity and viability of the follicle. NAC and taurine could act synergistically to increase the level of E2 and AMH and improve the overall activity of ovarian tissues after thawing, decrease intracellular ROS production,lower the level of oxidative stress, and improve the potential development of follicles after ovarian tissue thawing.

Key words: antioxidant, follicle viability, follicle morphology, follicle development, oxidative stress

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