The present research project aims to study the DNAm mechanisms underlying the reduction of fertility due to the progressive depletion of oocyte quality. Specifically, our project aims to build an epigenetic clock for MGCs by using outcomes that are certainly related to female fertility. The validation of such findings will be carried out on peripheral blood in order to guarantee its non-invasiveness and allow for any clinical transferability. In order to identify a blood epigenetic signature able to predict female infertility, we planned to explore the problem from different points of view by conducting several studies in different settings.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
1,456
examine the epigenetic profile of DNA extracted from MGCs and blood sample
Università Vita Salute San Raffaele
Milan, Italy
RECRUITINGdifferences of DNA methylation in granulosa cells of patients undergoing ART
The epigenetic profile of DNA extracted from granulosa cells of patients undergoing ART (COHORT1) will be examined to identify position and region's differences of DNA methylation in pregnant women (fertile women) and in who does not get pregnant (infertile women)
Time frame: 3 years
differences of DNA methylationin the peripheral venous blood of patients undergoing ART
search for this methylation difference found in the granulosa cell sample, also in the peripheral venous blood of these same patients
Time frame: 3 years
differences of DNA methylationin the peripheral venous blood of women attempting to conceive naturally
The specific epigenetic modification will be searched in the peripheral venous blood of women attempting to conceive naturally (COHORT2)
Time frame: 3 years
differences of DNA methylationin the peripheral venous blood of new patients undergoing ART
The specific epigenetic modification will be searched in the peripheral venous blood of two new cohorts of patients referred to PMA centres.
Time frame: 3 years
impact of exogenous pro-inflammatory factors
on all the above cohorts will be investigated, via online questionnaire
Time frame: 3 years
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