Immunoproteomic Analysis of Follicular Fluid and Its Association with Oocyte Quality in Dromedary Camels: Identification of Novel Biomarkers for Predicting In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes

Authors

  • Zainab J Kadeem Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, College of Medical Techniques, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
  • Tabarak Dakheel Mohammed Medical Laboratories Techniques, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
  • Sarah Salam Ali Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/ijar.2025.46.04.22

Keywords:

Dromedary camel, follicular fluid, proteomics, oocyte quality, inflammatory cytokines, IVF, biomarkers

Abstract

Background: Dromedary camel reproduction is characterized by unique physiological features, yet the immunological composition of follicular fluid (FF) and its impact on oocyte competence remains poorly understood. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the immunoproteomic profile of FF in relation to oocyte quality, identify predictive biomark ers, and develop a Follicular Quality Index (FQI) for IVF outcome prediction. Methods: Two hundred forty follicles (≥10 mm) from 60 dromedary camel ovaries were collected during the breeding season (November–March). Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were classified morphologically (Grade A–D, n=60 each). FF was analyzed by LC-MS/MS proteomics (n=5 pools/grade) and targeted assays for inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-10, TGF-β), complement pro teins (C3, C4), immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA), acute phase proteins (Hp, SAA), and oxidative stress markers (MDA, TAC, SOD, GPx). In vitro maturation (IVM), fertilization (IVF), and embryo culture were performed. ROC analysis and logis tic regression were conducted. Results: LC-MS/MS identified 847 proteins with 126 differentially expressed between Grade A and D (FDR < 0.05, FC > 1.5). Grade D follicles exhibited elevated pro-inflammatory markers: IL-6 (3.7-fold), TNF-α (3.8-fold), SAA (5.3-fold), MDA (3.9-fold), with concurrent reductions in IL-10 (65%), complement C3 (63%), TAC (62%). IVF outcomes declined progressively: blastocyst rate Grade A (42.8%) vs D (8.4%). ROC analysis identified IL-6/IL-10 ratio as the strongest predictor (AUC = 0.92). The proposed FQI achieved 89.6% accuracy for predicting blastocyst development. Conclusion: This study provides the first comprehensive immunoproteomic characterization of camel FF, establishing validated biomarkers and a practical FQI for oocyte quality assessment in assisted reproduction programs.

References

Agarwal, A., Aponte-Mellado, A., Premkumar, B.J., et al. (2012). The effects of oxidative stress on female reproduction: a review. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 10, 49.

Dumesic, D.A., Meldrum, D.R., Katz-Jaffe, M.G., et al. (2015). Oocyte environment: follicular fluid and cumulus cells are critical for oocyte health. Fertility and Sterility, 103, 303–316.

Revelli, A., Delle Piane, L., Casano, S., et al. (2009). Follicular fluid content and oocyte quality: from single biochemical markers to metabolomics. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 7, 40.

Skidmore, J.A. (2011). Reproductive physiology in female Old World Camelids. Animal Reproduction Science, 124, 148–154.

Downloads

Published

2026-03-17

Issue

Vol. 46 No. 4 (2025): The Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction (Dec)

Section

Research Article

How to Cite

Kadeem, Z. J., Mohammed, T. D., & Salam Ali, S. (2026). Immunoproteomic Analysis of Follicular Fluid and Its Association with Oocyte Quality in Dromedary Camels: Identification of Novel Biomarkers for Predicting In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes . The Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction, 46(4), 113-118. https://doi.org/10.48165/ijar.2025.46.04.22