Clinical correlation of apoptosis in human granulosa cells—A review

Abstract The quality of oocytes depends on interactions with surrounding granulosa cells. Granulosa cells are essential in normal follicular maturation process since they produce steroidal hormones and growth factors, and they play a crucial role in follicular atresia. The success in reproductive biology and medicine depends on reliable assessment of oocyte and embryo viability which presently mainly bases on oocyte and embryo morphology. Recent investigations have tried to establish an evaluation system for oocyte quality and to predict outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) based on the incidence of granulosa cells and cumulus cells apoptosis. Apoptosis of granulosa cells seems to have a negative effect on conception and pregnancy rates in IFV programs. Thus, in this review we present a brief outline of clinical correlation of apoptosis in human granulosa cells and cumulus cells, and its influence upon oocyte quality and IFV outcome. Taken together, understanding the influence of granulosa cell apoptosis on oocyte quality and maturity as well as on embryo health may ultimately allow scientists and clinicians to harness better protocols of ovarian stimulation for infertility treatments.