Circulating nucleic acids and infertility

• Published in: Gynécologie, obstétrique & fertilité Vol. 43; no. 9; pp. 593 - 598
• Main Authors: Scalici, E, Mullet, T, Ferrières Hoa, A, Gala, A, Loup, V, Anahory, T, Belloc, S, Hamamah, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: French
• Published: France 01.09.2015
• Subjects: Biomarkers - blood; DNA - blood; Female; Humans; Infertility - blood; Male; MicroRNAs - blood; Nucleic Acids - blood; Ovarian Reserve; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - blood; Precision Medicine; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Spermatogenesis - physiology; microRNAs; Follicular micro-environment; Assistance médicale à la procréation; Assisted reproductive technology; Embryo quality; Circulating nucleic acids; Acides nucléiques circulants; microARNs; Infertilité masculine; Male infertility; ADN libre; Cell-free DNA; Qualité embryonnaire; Microenvironnement folliculaire; Réserve ovarienne; Ovarian reserve
• ISSN: 1769-6682
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2015.07.016

Circulating nucleic acids (cell-free DNA and microRNAs) have for particularity to be easily detectable in the biological fluids of the body. Therefore, they constitute biomarkers of interest in female and male infertility care. Indeed, in female, they can be used to detect ovarian reserve disorders (polycystic ovary syndrome and low functional ovarian reserve) as well as to assess follicular microenvironment quality. Moreover, in men, their expression levels can vary in case of spermatogenesis abnormalities. Finally, circulating nucleic acids have also the ability to predict successfully the quality of in vitro embryo development. Their multiple contributions during assisted reproductive technology (ART) make of them biomarkers of interest, for the development of new diagnostic and/or prognostic tests, applied to our specialty. Circulating nucleic acids would so offer the possibility of personalized medical care for infertile couples in ART.