Genes for anti-Müllerian hormone and androgen receptor are underexpressed in human cumulus cells surrounding morphologically highly graded oocytes

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of genes crucial for the quality of the oocyte and whether expression levels of these genes in cumulus cells can be biological markers for the quality of the oocyte, zygote or embryo, or even for achievement of pregnancy after the assisted reproductive technology procedure. We examined the expression profile of the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) gene and its respective receptors: anti-Müllerian hormone receptor type 2 (AMHR2), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and androgen receptor (AR) in cumulus cells (CCs) surrounding the oocyte, as well as AMH concentrations in follicular fluid of the associated follicle. The obtained gene expression levels were correlated with the morphological quality of the associated oocyte, zygote and embryo as well as with assisted reproductive technology outcome following the intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure. Methods: This study involved 129 cumulus cells and 35 follicular fluid samples, taken from 58 patients undergoing the intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure. Oocytes, zygotes and embryos were assessed for morphological quality. The relative gene expression of AMH, AMHR2, FSHR and AR was calculated using the delta–delta Ct method. Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in follicular fluids were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The results yielded suggest a relationship between AMH, AR and oocyte morphology: AMH and AR gene expression levels in CCs surrounding morphologically optimal oocytes were significantly lower than in CCs surrounding oocytes with suboptimal morphology (p = 0.011 and p = 0.008, respectively). Statistically significant positive correlation was found between mRNA expression levels of AMH and FSHR (p < 0.001), AMH and AR (p = 0.001), AMHR2 and FSHR (p < 0.001), AMHR2 and AR (p < 0.001), as well as between FSHR and AR (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Assessed results point to AMH and AR relation with oocyte maturity, but not with its fertilization potential, or with embryo quality.