Anti-Mullerian hormone, its receptor, FSH receptor, and androgen receptor genes are overexpressed by granulosa cells from stimulated follicles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
BACKGROUND
In the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in addition to intrinsic thecal dysregulation leading to hyperandrogenism, a granulosa cell (GC) dysregulation may occur. Expression of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), FSH receptor (FSHR) and androgen receptor (AR) are suspected to be altered in PCOS GCs.


METHODS
The aim of this prospective study was to analyze the expression of these genes at the last stages of follicular maturation in GCs from 17 patients with PCOS and 15 controls undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation during a cycle with in vitro fertilization.


METHODS
On the day of oocyte retrieval, follicular fluids were collected from small follicles (SF; 8-13 mm) and large follicles (17-22 mm) in separate tubes. Total RNAs and proteins were extracted from GCs. Reverse transcription was performed and quantification of gene expression levels was achieved by real-time quantitative PCR.


RESULTS
AMH and FSHR mRNA levels were significantly higher in PCOS than in controls in GCs from both SF and large follicles. Likewise, AR and AMH receptor II mRNA levels in GCs from SF were significantly higher in PCOS compared with controls. In both PCOS patients and controls, AMH and AR mRNA levels correlated strongly, positively, and independently to FSHR mRNA levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Using quantitative RT-PCR, AMH, AMH receptor II, FSHR, and AR genes were shown to be overexpressed by GCs from stimulated follicles of women with PCOS undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. This could be the sign of a maturation defect or may reflect hyperandrogenism.
Catteau-Jonard
Sophie
S
Department of Endocrine Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, C.H.R.U., 59037 Lille, France.
Jamin
Soazik P
SP
Leclerc
Arnaud
A
Gonzalès
Jacques
J
Dewailly
Didier
D
di Clemente
Nathalie
N
D000328:Adult; D000858:Anovulation / Q000209:etiology; D054304:Anti-Mullerian Hormone / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010060:Ovulation; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000235:genetics*; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000235:genetics*; D011962:Receptors, FSH / Q000235:genetics*; D018000:Receptors, Peptide / Q000235:genetics*; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics*; D012016:Reference Values; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult
D011944:Receptors, Androgen; D011962:Receptors, FSH; D018000:Receptors, Peptide; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; C084621:anti-Mullerian hormone receptor; D054304:Anti-Mullerian Hormone