Circulating anti-mullerian hormone levels may predict blastocyst formation rates in donor IVF cycles

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a glycoprotein dimer composed of two 72kDa monomers linked by disulfide bridges and is a member of the transforming growth factor-β super family. AMH is produced in small amounts by ovarian granulosa cells after birth until menopause, and then becomes undetectable. AMH performs various physiological functions, e.g. controlling antral follicle development. AMH is routinely used clinically to help determine ovarian reserve status and subsequently, gonadotropin stimulation protocols. Whereas, AMH values can help predict the quantity of oocytes obtained during retrieval, little to no information is available regarding AMH levels on embryo formation rates. To determine if circulating anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels relate to blastocyst formation rates following ovarian stimulation in donor IVF.DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of donor cycles. AMH levels were measured and correlated with blastocyst (Grade A or B) formation rates during the IVF cycle.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Circulating AMH levels were measured in donors by a commercially available assay. ART cycles were normalized to control for ovarian stimulation protocol (antagonist) and gonadotropin dose, no male factor, number of stimulation days (10-12 days) and day 5 transfers. Data were analyzed by regression analysis.RESULTS: A total of 18 donor ART cycles were included in this study. The overall blastocyst formation rate was 28.93% (80/342). The mean (+s.e.) AMH level in the donors was 3.941 (+0.459) ng/mL. AMH levels ranged from a low of 1.27 ng/mL to a high of 8.25 ng/mL. Regression analysis revealed a statistically significant binomial correlation between circulating AMH levels in oocyte donors and blastocyst formation rates (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The data demonstrates a significant and positive correlation between circulating AMH levels in oocyte donors and blastocyst formation rates. This is the first report demonstrating a significant relationship between AMH and blastocyst formation rates. OBJECTIVE: Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a glycoprotein dimer composed of two 72kDa monomers linked by disulfide bridges and is a member of the transforming growth factor-β super family. AMH is produced in small amounts by ovarian granulosa cells after birth until menopause, and then becomes undetectable. AMH performs various physiological functions, e.g. controlling antral follicle development. AMH is routinely used clinically to help determine ovarian reserve status and subsequently, gonadotropin stimulation protocols. Whereas, AMH values can help predict the quantity of oocytes obtained during retrieval, little to no information is available regarding AMH levels on embryo formation rates. To determine if circulating anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels relate to blastocyst formation rates following ovarian stimulation in donor IVF. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of donor cycles. AMH levels were measured and correlated with blastocyst (Grade A or B) formation rates during the IVF cycle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Circulating AMH levels were measured in donors by a commercially available assay. ART cycles were normalized to control for ovarian stimulation protocol (antagonist) and gonadotropin dose, no male factor, number of stimulation days (10-12 days) and day 5 transfers. Data were analyzed by regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 18 donor ART cycles were included in this study. The overall blastocyst formation rate was 28.93% (80/342). The mean (+s.e.) AMH level in the donors was 3.941 (+0.459) ng/mL. AMH levels ranged from a low of 1.27 ng/mL to a high of 8.25 ng/mL. Regression analysis revealed a statistically significant binomial correlation between circulating AMH levels in oocyte donors and blastocyst formation rates (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The data demonstrates a significant and positive correlation between circulating AMH levels in oocyte donors and blastocyst formation rates. This is the first report demonstrating a significant relationship between AMH and blastocyst formation rates.