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Rahul Manoj: Mitochondrial Role in Oocyte Competence
Oct 21, 2025, 09:55

Rahul Manoj: Mitochondrial Role in Oocyte Competence

Rahul Manoj, Senior Embryologist at Best Life Fertility Center, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Day 19 – Mitochondrial Role in Oocyte Competence

The oocyte’s mitochondria serve as the powerhouses of fertility, directly influencing its ability to mature, fertilize, and support early embryo development.

Energy Supply:

Mitochondria generate ATP, fueling essential processes like meiotic spindle assembly, chromosome alignment, and cytoplasmic maturation.

Distribution Patterns:

A mature oocyte shows an even mitochondrial distribution, reflecting optimal cytoplasmic readiness. Uneven clustering or perinuclear aggregation indicates poor oocyte competence.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Copy Number:

A critical threshold of mtDNA is essential for successful fertilization and blastocyst development. Low mtDNA content is linked to developmental arrest or implantation failure.

ROS Balance:

Moderate reactive oxygen species (ROS) are necessary for signaling, but excess ROS trigger oxidative stress, impairing oocyte quality and accelerating aging.

In-Vitro Factors Affecting Mitochondrial Function:

  1. Culture Media Composition – Imbalanced nutrients or high glucose levels can alter mitochondrial respiration.
  2. Oxygen Concentration – Atmospheric O₂ (≈20%) induces oxidative stress; reduced O₂ (5%) mimics physiological conditions and preserves mitochondrial health.
  3. Temperature and pH Fluctuations – Even minor deviations can disrupt mitochondrial membrane potential.
  4. Light Exposure – Prolonged light during handling generates ROS and damages mitochondrial DNA.
  5. Extended Culture Duration – Increases metabolic stress, reducing mitochondrial efficiency.
  6. Cryopreservation Stress – Vitrification and warming can transiently impair mitochondrial membrane integrity.
  7. Hormonal Stimulation Protocols – Excess gonadotropins may affect oocyte mitochondrial maturation dynamics.”

Rahul Manoj

Cryopreservation Stress cytoplasmic readiness early embryo development Energy Supply Fertility Fertility News fertilize Hormonal Stimulation Protocols Mitochondrial DNA mtDNA oocyte pH Fluctuations Rahul Manoj ROS
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