Molecular characterization of the human ovulatory cascade-Lesson from the IVF/IVM model

Ovarian follicular development and ovulation in mammals is a complex and highly regulated process. Most advances in the understanding of the ovulatory process have come from animal models. However, translational research in humans is of crucial importance for improving fertility treatment and control. IVM/IVF procedures allow us to obtain follicular fluid and granulosa cells (GC) from follicles in different developmental stages with and without hCG priming. Using the cells and fluids obtained in IVM/IVF procedures allowed us to characterize human ovulatory gene expression during antral folliculogenesis and ovulation, examine gene expression in luteinized and non-luteinized GC in vivo and in vitro and to use cumulus GC genes as biomarkers for oocyte and embryo maturity and competence. Biological material obtained during IVM/IVF procedures is an important tool to study the human ovulatory cascade and can serve to improve IVM techniques and fertility treatment and control.