Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Efficiency in classical IVF cIVF techniques is still impaired by poor implantation and pregnancy rates after embryo transfer. This is mostly due to a lack of reliable criteria for the selection of embryos with sufficient development potential. These analyses usually used reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to look at small sets of pre-selected genes.
However, microarray approaches permit to identify a wider range of cellular marker genes. Thus they allow the identification of additional and perhaps more suited genes that could serve as embryo selection markers. Whilst most oocytes are capable of being fertilized, only half of those fertilized complete preimplantation development and fewer still implant.
Granulosa cell derived cumulus cells surround the oocyte in the antral follicle and play an important role in regulating oocyte maturation Dekel et al. Ebner et al. Gene expression alterations in oocytes and their supporting cells can be correlated with defects or variations in the ovulation or maturation processes. Gene expression in granulosa cells is altered in patients with empty follicle syndrome Inan et al. A number of studies suggest that changes in gene expression, such as GDF9 or Bone Morphogenic Protein BMP15 in oocytes, or Pentraxin 3 PTX3 in cumulus cells, can be monitored for selecting oocytes for fertilization and embryos for implantation Elvin et al.
Therefore, gene expression studies in human oocyte and cumulus cells could contribute not only to identify factors involved in the oocyte maturation pathway, but could also provide valuable molecular markers of abnormal gene expression in oocytes with reduced competence.
Specific gene expression screenings for caspase and cell death proteins Spanos et al. The aim of the present study, based in parts on data obtained by Assou et al. This study has received institutional review board approval. Ovarian response was evaluated by serum estradiol level and daily ultrasound examination to observe follicle development. Retrieval of oocytes occurred 36 hours after hCG administration and was performed under ultrasound guidance. Cumulus cells were removed from one or two mature oocytes MII 21 hours post insemination.
