title: Scavenger receptor class B type 1 gene polymorphisms and female fertility.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Multiple studies have demonstrated a role for scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1) in female fertility. Recent studies have implicated specific SR-B1 gene polymorphisms in decreased progesterone production and suboptimal fertility outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The lipoprotein receptor SR-B1 has been known to mediate selective uptake of lipids into steroidogenic tissues such as the ovaries. SR-B1 plays a major role in the ability of the corpus luteum to produce progesterone, which is known to play a key role in sustaining early pregnancy. Animal studies have demonstrated that deficiency in SR-B1 results in subfertility that can be restored with addition of SR-B1 function. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in SCARB1, the gene encoding SR-B1, have been associated with human lipid levels. Women undergoing infertility treatment with low SR-B1 expression in granulosa cells were noted to have plasma estradiol levels half the normal levels and a significantly lower number of retrieved oocytes. In vitro, deficiency of SR-B1 is associated with lower progesterone secretion in human granulosa cells. Certain SR-B1 polymorphisms have been associated with lower follicular progesterone levels and a significantly lower clinical pregnancy rate.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Deficiency of SR-B1, particularly due to single-nucleotide polymorphisms, could explain some features of female human infertility.
authors.affiliation: Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Lutherville, Maryland 20193, USA.
authors.forename: Mindy S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Christianson
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yates
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018955:CD36 Antigens / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000235:genetics; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / Q000235:genetics; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D018955:CD36 Antigens; D011374:Progesterone