Cumulus cell microRNA expression when LH is added to the ovarian stimulation protocol: a pilot study

Author(s)

Vigo, Francieli Maria ^[1] ; Fraietta, Renato ^[2] ; Rodrigues, Fernanda ^{[1, 3]} ; Carvalho, V, Cristina ; Bonetti, Tatiana C. S. ^[4] ; Motta, Eduardo L. A. ^{[3, 4]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ginecol, Escola Paulista Med, UNIFESP EPM, Rua Napoleao Barros, 608 Vila Clementino, BR-04024002 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Setor Integrad Reprod Humana, UNIFESP EPM, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Cirurgia, Rua Botucatu, 725 Vila Vila Clementino, BR-04024002 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[3] Huntington Med Reprod, Av Republ Libano 529 Ibirapuera, BR-04501000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[4] Carvalho, Cristina, V, Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ginecol, Escola Paulista Med, UNIFESP EPM, Rua Napoleao Barros, 608 Vila Clementino, BR-04024002 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Reproductive BioMedicine Online; v. 43, n. 6, p. 1070-1077, DEC 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Research question: Recombinant FSH administration in ovarian stimulation for IVF is a standard procedure, whereas the role of LH is controversial. MicroRNAs (mRNA) are small endogenous non-coding transcripts that are involved in the regulation of many cellular processes, including foliculogenesis and gonadotrophin function. The aim was to study the possible role of miRNA in ovarian follicular development in groups having different ovarian stimulation protocols. Are there different miRNA expression profiles in cumulus cells of infertile women undergoing IVF? What are the regulated pathways? Design: This prospective observational study included 13 patients who fulfilled the following inclusion criteria: younger than 38 years of age; a tubal infertility factor; a male factor; or idiopathic infertility. This is a pilot study in which the patients were aleatory enrolled into two groups: seven in FSH group (recombinant FSH, 225 IU) and six in FSH plus LH group (recombinant FSH, 150 IU + recombinant LH, 75 IU). The granulosa cells obtained from the follicular ovarian retrieval were analysed using polyerase chain reaction. Results were analysed using DIANA Tools, an online bioinformatics tool. Results: Among the 84 microRNAs evaluated, 11 were differentially expressed between the groups, all of which were upregulated in the FSH plus LH group, compared with the FSH group. Differentially expressed miRNA profiles are related to oestrogen signalling, oocyte meiosis and pluripotent cells regulation. Conclusion: miRNA overexpression in the FSH plus LH group is consistent with the independent and fundamental role of LH in folliculogenesis, leading to a distinct molecular response between groups. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/16911-0 - MicroRNAs expression in infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization
• Grantee: Eduardo Leme Alves da Motta
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants