A groundbreaking clinical study conducted by Semmelweis University and the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) has uncovered a potential link between mycotoxins in follicular fluid and reproductive outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). This is the first study to detect these mold-produced toxins in follicular fluid and suggests they could contribute to unexplained infertility.
Study Overview
The research aimed to explore how mycotoxins, naturally occurring toxins found in moldy crops such as grains, nuts, and dried fruits, affect the fertility of women undergoing IVF. These toxins, including Deoxynivalenol (DON), Zearalenone (ZEN), and Fumonisin B1 (FB1), are known to cause oxidative stress, DNA damage, and hormonal disruptions. While their impact on general reproductive health is acknowledged, this study is the first to examine their presence in the follicular fluid, the substance surrounding the egg cells during maturation.
Dr. Levente Sára, Associate Professor at Semmelweis University’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and corresponding author of the study, explained, “We wanted to understand the mechanisms through which mycotoxins affect follicle development and, ultimately, IVF success.”
Methodology and Findings
The study analyzed blood and follicular fluid samples from 25 IVF patients, testing for several common mycotoxins. These included DON, α-Zearalenol (α-ZOL), ZEN, total aflatoxins (AFs), Fumonisin B1 (FB1), and T-2/HT-2 toxins. Mycotoxins typically enter the bloodstream through contaminated food and can then accumulate in the follicular fluid, where they may disrupt the endocrine system and cause inflammation and oxidative stress.
The researchers found that all mycotoxins tested were present in the follicular fluid, even when they were absent from the blood plasma at the same time. Specifically, levels of DON, α-ZOL, ZEN, and aflatoxins were significantly higher in the follicular fluid compared to blood plasma. These toxins, including ZEN, which acts as a xenoestrogen, appeared to interact with estradiol, suggesting a potential reinforcement of estrogenic activity in the follicular environment. This could affect both follicle development and oocyte (egg cell) quality.
One particularly intriguing finding was the positive correlation between Fumonisin B1 levels and the ratio of retrieved follicles to oocytes, indicating that this toxin may play a role in oocyte maturation.
Dr. Apolka Szentirmay, first author of the study, noted, “Our study confirms the presence of mycotoxins in follicular fluid and suggests that these substances may influence reproductive outcomes, including egg cell quality and hormone levels.”
Importance of Follicular Fluid
Follicular fluid plays a crucial role in oocyte maturation, and its composition is vital for fertility. Disruptions in the hormonal balance within the fluid, particularly with estradiol and progesterone, can lead to poor oocyte maturation and lower IVF success rates. The presence of mycotoxins in this fluid could, therefore, significantly impact reproductive outcomes.
Dr. Zsuzsanna Szőke, senior research fellow at MATE’s Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, emphasized the importance of the multidisciplinary approach taken in the study. “Our team has combined expertise from obstetrics, gynecology, toxicology, biotechnology, and analytics to shed light on how exposure to mycotoxins in the follicular fluid affects follicle development. This is a critical step in understanding infertility of unknown origin.”
Conclusion
This study offers new insights into the role of mycotoxins in reproductive health and highlights the potential risks posed by environmental toxins on fertility treatments like IVF. By confirming the presence of these toxins in follicular fluid, the research opens the door for further studies to investigate the broader implications for women’s reproductive health and the development of strategies to mitigate their impact.
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