Endometriosis is associated with marked subfertility and various causes for this subfertility have been previously studied. The poor quality of oocytes has been suggested as one possible cause. In this study, we evaluated the quality of oocytes by examining the status of granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte. For this purpose, we analysed the incidence of apoptosis, changes in cell cycle, and oxidative stress in the granulosa cells. Endometriosis patients had a higher apoptotic incidence, more alterations of the cell cycle, and a higher incidence of oxidative stress than patients with any of the other infertility causes (tube, male, and idiopathic factors). These changes might affect oocyte quality, and thus fertility in endometriosis patients.
Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel