Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2003 Feb;46(2):296-305.

Clinical Significance of Apoptotic Rates of Human Luteinized Granulosa Cells in In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer

• Kim EK
• Kim SH

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the clinical significance of apoptotic rates of human luteinized granulosa cells in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) program.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From 62 infertile patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for IVF-ET, luteinized granulosa cells were isolated during oocyte retrieval. The apoptotic rates of luteinized granulosa cells were measured by immunocytochemical staining with TUNEL method, and compared with the various clinical parameters.
RESULTS
The apoptotic rates were not significantly different among the groups with the various etiologic factors of infertility. The presence of endometriosis, as well as the extent of endometriosis, did not show any differences in the apoptotic rates. The apoptotic rates were negatively correlated with the embryo quality and serum estradiol levels on hCG day. The apoptotic rates of 2.92% or below in the luteinized granulosa cells could predict a successful pregnancy with the sensitivity of 38.9% and the specificity of 93.2%.
CONCLUSION
The apoptotic rates of human luteinized granulosa cells may be used to predict the outcome in IVF-ET program.

Keyword

IVF-ET; Luteinized granulosa cells; Apoptosis; Apoptotic rate; Pregnancy; Endometriosis

MeSH Terms

Apoptosis
Embryo Transfer*
Embryonic Structures*
Endometriosis
Estradiol
Female
Fertilization in Vitro*
Granulosa Cells*
Humans*
In Situ Nick-End Labeling
Infertility
Lutein*
Oocyte Retrieval
Pregnancy
Sensitivity and Specificity
Estradiol
Lutein