The relationship between follicle development and progesterone receptor membrane component-1 expression in women undergoing in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between progesterone receptor membrane component-1 (PGRMC1) expression and the outcome of IVF treatment.

DESIGN

A prospective study in which PGRMC1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, methylation status of the Pgrmc1 promoter, and the presence of point mutations within Pgrmc1 were obtained from granulosa (GC)/luteal cells of women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH).

SETTING

Fertility center/basic science laboratory.

PATIENT(S): Eighty-five patients undergoing IVF treatment and 10 women who were undergoing COH for the purpose of oocyte donation were included in this study.

INTERVENTION(S): None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The PGRMC1 measurements were correlated with clinical outcomes, such as number of follicles, number of retrieved oocytes, and ongoing pregnancy rates (PR).

RESULT(S): The PGRMC1 mRNA levels within GC/luteal cells of 18% of IVF patients were >2.25-fold higher than those of oocyte donors. Individuals with elevated PGRMC1 mRNA levels had 30% fewer large follicles and fewer oocytes retrieved. The elevated PGRMC1 mRNA levels were associated with an increase in the methylation of Pgrmc1 promoter.

CONCLUSION(S): In patients with elevated PGRMC1 mRNA levels, gonadotropin-induced follicle development is attenuated, although sufficient numbers of follicles develop to allow for ET and subsequent pregnancy.