The distribution of FSH receptor isoforms is related to basal FSH levels in subfertile women with normal menstrual cycles

Author： de Koning C.H. Benjamins T. Harms P. Homburg R. van Montfrans J.M. Gromoll J. Simoni M. Lambalk C.B.

Publisher： Oxford University Press

ISSN： 1460-2350

Source： Human Reproduction, Vol.21, Iss.2, 2006-02, pp. : 443-446

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Recently a polymorphic variant of the FSH receptor in which amino acid asparagine (Asn) at position 680 is replaced by serine (Ser) was found. This is associated with higher FSH levels in the early follicular phase and an increased FSH requirement to obtain follicular response in IVF patients. The aim of our study was to test the hypothesis that this receptor isoform occurs more often in regularly menstruating subfertility patients with elevated basal FSH than in those with normal early follicular phase FSH. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 38 subfertility patients with a regular menstrual cycle and elevated FSH (>10 IU/l) compared to 40 patients with normal early follicular phase FSH was carried out. DNA was analysed to determine the FSH receptor genotype. RESULTS: The N680S variant on one or both alleles of the FSH receptor gene was significantly more prevalent in patients with elevated FSH (P < 0.05).="" the="" homozygous="" asn/asn="" variant="" at="" codon="" 680="" was="" found="" in="" 45%="" of="" women="" with="" normal="" fsh="" and="" in="" 21%="" of="" women="" with="" elevated="" fsh.="" the="" homozygous="" ser/ser="" receptor="" variant="" was="" present="" in="" 12.5%="" of="" women="" with="" normal="" fsh="" and="" in="" 21%="" of="" patients="" with="" elevated="" fsh.="" also="" the="" heterozygous="" combination="" of="" both="" variants="" asn/ser="" occurred="" more="" often="" in="" women="" with="" elevated="" fsh="" (58="" versus="" 42.5%).="" conclusions:="" the="" n680s="" sequence="" variation="" of="" the="" fsh="" receptor="" is="" found="" in="">75% of the cases with elevated basal FSH and suggests a higher FSH threshold.