Serum concentrations of oocyte-secreted factors BMP15 and GDF9 during IVF and in women with reproductive pathologies.

This study developed ELISAs for the measurement of BMP15 and GDF9 in serum and investigated their usefulness as biomarkers of female reproductive function. Serum samples were obtained from women undergoing infertility treatments (n=154), and from peri- and post-menopausal women (n=28). Serum concentrations of BMP15 and GDF9 in women relative to age, AMH, number of oocytes retrieved, and polycystic ovaries/syndrome (PCO(S)) after superovulation for IVF. BMP15 and GDF9 immunoassays were validated for specificity, sensitivity (24 and 26 pg/ml, respectively) and reproducibility. BMP15 and GDF9 were detectable in 61% and 29% of women, respectively. BMP15 and GDF9 varied 64- and 15-fold respectively between women, but did not change within subjects following ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins. Serum GDF9 concentration, but not BMP15, was associated with oocyte number retrieved in non-PCO(S) patients (p=0.018). GDF9 and BMP15 associations with oocyte number differed significantly (p<0.05) with PCO(S) status. GDF9 concentrations were lower in poor responders (women with <4 oocytes retrieved or cancelled cycles; p=0.020). Serum BMP15, but not GDF9, was lower in women over 55 years, compared to women of reproductive age (p<0.01). This study develops and validates immunoassays to quantitate BMP15 and GDF9 in human serum, and to correlate concentrations with female reproductive potential. Although assay sensitivities require improvement, this study demonstrates the diagnosti...
Source: Endocrinology - Category: Endocrinology Authors: Tags: Endocrinology Source Type: research