Analysis of cell apoptosis makers (TNF-α and GABRA-1), related non-coding RNAs and pro-inflammatory cytokine (Interleukin-6) in patients with normal and poor ovarian response undergoing in vitro fertilization.
Abstract
Purpose
This study primarily aimed to evaluate expression levels of cell apoptosis markers (TNF-α and GABRA-1 mRNA), related non-coding RNAs (miRNA-181 and miRNA-139), and pro-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-6; IL-6) concentration in biological samples (blood plasma, follicular fluid and cumulus cells) obtained from normal ovarian response (NOR) and poor ovarian response (POR) women participating in ovarian stimulation and in vitro fertilization (OS/IVF) program.
Methods
A total of 35 participants who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled: NOR = 20 participants and POR (according to the Bologna criteria) = 15 participants. Expression levels of cell apoptotic genes (mRNA), miRNAs and concentration of IL-6 were evaluated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.
Results
Major findings revealed that among selected biomarkers, expression level of TNF-α mRNA was significantly increased in cumulus cells of POR patients. Furthermore, this biomarker also markedly correlated with anti-Müllerian hormone level, antral follicle count, number of retrieved oocytes and expression level of miRNA-181 (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Our findings underscored that expression levels of TNF-α and miRNA-181 in cumulus cells may offer new insights into cell apoptosis mechanisms associated with poor ovarian response during OS/IVF.