Apoptosis, reactive oxygen species and follicular anti-Müllerian hormone in natural versus stimulated cycles

Author： Jancar Nina Virant-Klun Irma Osredkar Josko Vrtacnik Bokal Eda

ISSN： 1472-6483

Source： Reproductive BioMedicine Online, Vol.16, Iss.5, 2008-05, pp. : 640-648

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare granulosa cell apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) production in natural and stimulated cycles, and to determine their effect on IVF outcome. Of 60 women with tubal factor infertility, 30 underwent natural cycle IVF and 30 underwent ovarian stimulation with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist and gonadotrophin. Apoptosis and ROS production was measured in isolated granulosa cells from each aspirated follicle using flow cytometry. Follicular AMH concentration was measured using enzyme immunoassay. A total of 188 follicles were analysed. A lower incidence of apoptotic granulosa cells and higher mean follicular AMH concentration was observed in the natural cycle than in the ovarian stimulation group (20.2 ± 15.6% versus 35.6 ± 27.7%, P = 0.007; 6.9 ± 7.1 ng/ml versus 2.5 ± 1.7 ng/ml, P < 0.001). Ovarian stimulation increases the incidence of apoptotic granulosa cells, but has no effect on their ROS production. Ovarian stimulation reduces follicular AMH concentrations, presumably due to a negative effect of exogenous FSH on AMH production. This study was unable to explain the low pregnancy rate in natural cycle IVF using the data on apoptosis, ROS and AMH production in granulosa cells.