The College of Medicine at the University of Baghdad discussed the doctoral dissertation titled Evaluation of Follicular Fluid Fatty Acids and Extracellular Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number and Their Relationship with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Outcome, authored by Zainab Muthanna Jiad.
The study aimed to estimate the relative copy number of extracellular mitochondrial DNA in follicular fluid, analyze fatty acids present in the fluid, and establish correlations with the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures in a sample of Iraqi women who underwent this treatment.
The researcher concluded that extracellular mitochondrial DNA in the follicular fluid could serve as a biological indicator of oocyte maturity and possibly oocyte quality. Saturated fatty acids, such as palmitic and stearic acids, showed negative correlations with ICSI outcomes.
The study also revealed that unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic and palmitoleic acids, counteract the negative effects of saturated fatty acids. Propionic acid negatively impacts fertility outcomes, while margaric acid, a saturated fatty acid, is linked to extracellular mitochondrial DNA, reflecting mitochondrial dysfunction. Conversely, oleic acid mitigates this negative impact.
This discussion aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 4, which promote ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all ages and advancing quality education.