Human granulosa cells of poor ovarian responder patients display telomeres shortening

Objective We aimed to compare the telomere length in granulosa cells of the young normal and poor ovarian responder patients and elderly patients undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF. Methods The main outcome measures granulosa cells telomere Length in the 3 study groups of patients undergoing IVF treatment in our center. 1) young normal responder patients (< 35 years); 2) young (< 35 years) poor ovarian responder patients; and 3) Elderly patients (40–45 years). Granulosa cells were obtained at the time of oocyte retrieval. Granulosa cells telomere length was assessed by absolute human telomere length quantification qPCR Assay. Results The telomere length of the young normal responder was significantly longer as compared to young poor ovarian responder (15.5 vs 9.6 KB, p < 0.001) and the elderly patients (15.5 vs 10.66 KB, p < 0.002). No significant difference was observed in the telomere length between the young poor ovarian responder and the elderly patients. Conclusions Granulosa cells telomere length of the young normal responder was found to be significantly longer than young poor ovarian responder or elderly patients, highlighting the role of telomere length as a predictor, or contributor to poor oocyte yield following IVF treatment.