Effects of different nutrition types on folliculogenesis and oocyte development

Aim: To reveal the relationship between nutrition and infertility by investigating the effects of different feeding habits on folliculogenesis and oocyte development. Material and Methods: The study was performed on 21 days old, 40 Wistar Albino female rats. Groups: 1. Control (n=10): Normal maintenance group. 2. Carbohydrate (n=10): 70% carbohydrate group. 3. Fat (n=10): 60% fat group. 4. Protein (n=10): 50% protein group. The rats were fed for 80 days. The groups were evaluated in terms of menstrual cycle order, follicle numbers in ovaries, oocyte and follicle diameters, folliculogenesis specific gene, protein and hormonal levels, and a comparison was made in terms of ultrastructural changes. Results: Menstrual cycle phase was prolonged in the fat and protein groups. In general, while the number of primordial follicle reserve and advanced follicle types were similar to the control in the carbohydrate group, they were decreased in the fat and protein groups. The number of atretic follicle was higher in the fat and protein groups compared to the control and carbohydrate groups. Significant differences were detected in all three groups compared to the control group for expression of different genes playing curicial role in folliculogenesis. Reproductive hormones were also significantly different in all three groups compared to the control. Pathological findings in granulosa cells, granulosa lutein cells, oocyte and in zona pellucida was detected in the diet groups compared to the control group. Conclusion: Long-term carbohydrate, fat, and, protein-based diets may lead to infertility by reducing the follicle reserve, disrupting the expression of folliculogenesis-specific genes and ovarian hormone levels. Keywords: Nutrition, folliculogenesis, infertility, carbohydrate, oocyte development, protein, fat.