Gene expression of follicle-stimulating hormone receptors in granulosa cells in poor ovarian responders

Abstract

Women with poor ovarian response do not produce adequate follicles and express low estradiol levels after standard ovarian stimulation protocols; therefore, their chances of becoming pregnant are reduced. The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) binds to specific follicle-stimulating hormone receptors (FSHRs) in the ovary, thereby activating adenylyl cyclase/cyclic adenosine monophosphate, a gene expression regulator. The present study aimed to evaluate whether the FSHR levels in poor ovarian responders differed from those in normal ovarian responders. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Cipto Mangunkusomo’s Hospital. The study cohort included women with poor ovarian responses (n = 17) and control women with normal ovarian responses (n = 17) who underwent IVF procedures. The FSHR levels in ovarian tissues were measured using qPCR and then compared between the two groups. No statistically significant differences were found in the FSHR levels between the groups. A polymorphism mutation may be present in the FSHR gene of poor ovarian responders.