Serum α-klotho concentrations during preimplantation can predict aging or quality of human oocytes and clinical pregnancy rates

Significance Statement

Many researches in the world are very interested in the aging or quality of human oocytes. However, a simple biomarker to predict the aging or quality of human oocytes is not discovered. On the other hand, α-klotho is known as an anti-aging molecule since 1997 (Kuro-o M, et al., Nature). Therefore, increases in α-klotho concentrations in human serum positively may improve the aging and quality of human oocytes.

The present research (a prospective cohort study) is the first study reporting that the serum α-klotho concentrations during preimplantation can predict the aging or quality of human oocytes and clinical pregnancy rates.

Furthermore, the present research suggests that the serum α-klotho concentrations during preimplantation may be improved by vitamin D supplementation. Therefore, the aging or quality of human oocytes may be improved by vitamin D supplementation, although clinical trials will be needed in the near future. In conclusion, the present research is a breakthrough study in reproductive medicine.

Journal Reference

Springerplus. 2016 Jan 20;5:53.

Takemura T, Okabe M.

Reproductive Medicine Institute Japan, Nakano-ku, Chuo, 3-37-12, Tokyo, 164-0011 Japan.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

To discover simple biomarkers to evaluate the aging or quality of human oocytes and clinical pregnancy rates is needed. However, the association among serum α-klotho concentrations during preimplantation, the aging or quality of human oocytes and clinical pregnancy rates has not been investigated.

FINDINGS:

The serum α-klotho concentrations during preimplantation decreased due to aging (p < 0.001), whereas the maturation rates of human oocytes (p < 0.001) and the fertilization rates (p < 0.001) improved in association with increased serum α-klotho concentrations. Furthermore, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the clinical pregnancy rates were influenced by serum α-klotho concentrations during preimplantation (p < 0.001), the patient’s age (p = 0.003), maturation rates of human oocytes (p < 0.001), fertilization rates (p < 0.001) and the serum 25 (OH) D levels (p < 0.001) regardless of race (p = 0.29) and BMI (p = 0.96).

CONCLUSION:

The serum α-klotho concentrations during preimplantation would be a simple biomarker in order to predict the aging or quality of human oocytes and clinical pregnancy rates.

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