PLoS ONE (Jan 2014)

GnRH agonist vs. hCG for triggering of ovulation--differential effects on gene expression in human granulosa cells.

  • Jigal Haas,
  • Libby Ophir,
  • Eran Barzilay,
  • Gil M Yerushalmi,
  • Yuval Yung,
  • Alon Kedem,
  • Ettie Maman,
  • Ariel Hourvitz

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0090359
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 3
p. e90359

Abstract

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OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mRNA expression of genes related to steroidogenesis and OHSS in granulosa cells (GCs) of patients triggered with GnRH agonist compared to patients triggered with hCG. DESIGN: Mural GCs were obtained at the time of oocyte retrieval and gene expression was analyzed using quantitative real time RT-PCR. SETTINGS: Single center, case control study. PATIENT(S): 24 women who were treated with GnRH agonist or hCG for triggering of ovulation. INTERVENTIONS: GC collection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The expression of genes related to steroidogenesis and OHSS in mural GCs. RESULTS: The fertilization rate was similar in the two groups. The mRNA expression of CYP19A1 (0.50 vs 1, arbitrary unit), CYP11A1 (0.6 vs. 1) and 3 beta hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase (0.39 vs 1) was significantly lower in the GnRH group. The expression of VEGF (0.74 vs. 1) and inhibin β B (0.38 vs 1) was lower in the GnRH analog triggered group. CONCLUSION: Expression of genes related to steroidogenesis is lower at the time of oocyte retrieval in patients triggered with GnRH agonist. The decreased expression of VEGF and inhibin β B in the GnRH agonist group can explain the mechanism of early OHSS prevention.