Ovarian expression of markers associated with proliferation or apoptosis in women with diminished ovarian reserve.
OBJECTIVE
To determine DNA fragmentation and several molecules associated with apoptosis or proliferation in ovaries of patients with diminished ovarian reserve.


METHODS
Cross-sectional analysis.


METHODS
Tertiary institutional hospital.


METHODS
Patients with benign uterine pathology who had undergone a hysterectomy and oophorectomy were categorized by the citrate clomiphene challenge test in diminished ovarian reserve or control group.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Apoptosis was determined using TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end-labeling) assay and p53, p27, Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, Fas-L, Bcl-2, GATA-4, Ki-67, proliferating-cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), estrogen receptor, P receptor, and androgen receptor expression by immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
Fifteen patients were studied. DNA fragmentation and expression of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, Fas-L, Bcl-2, GATA-4, Ki-67, and PCNA were observed in the whole ovary in both groups. In the control group, the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-8 in the ovarian stroma was significantly higher.


CONCLUSIONS
DNA fragmentation and the expression of several molecules that participate in ovarian proliferation or apoptosis are present in cycling ovaries, but these markers were not significantly different in patients with diminished ovarian reserve. Thus, the mechanism leading to diminished ovarian reserve does not involve an easily detectable dysregulation in apoptosis or proliferation of ovarian follicles.
Vital-Reyes
Víctor
V
Department of Biology of Reproduction, Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital #3, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Mexico City, Mexico.
Rodríguez-Burford
Cristina
C
Chhieng
David C
DC
Alvarado-Cabrero
Isabel
I
Reyes-Fuentes
Alejandro
A
Grizzle
William E
WE
D000328:Adult; D017209:Apoptosis; D051017:Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*
D051017:Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; D015415:Biomarkers; D006133:Growth Substances