Clin Exp Reprod Med.  2024 Dec;51(4):293-300. 10.5653/cerm.2023.06198.

Vitrification alters growth differentiation factor 9 and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor expression in human cumulus-mural granulosa cells

• Sirait B
• Wiweko B
• Handayani N
• Sundari AM
• Muharam R
• Jusuf AA
• Suryandari DA
• Rachman IA
• Widyahening IS
• Boediono A

• KMID: 2561383
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2023.06198

Abstract

Objective
Ovarian tissue vitrification is widely utilized for fertility preservation in prepubertal and adolescent female patients with cancer. The current literature includes reports of successful pregnancy and live birth following autografting. However, the effects of the vitrification process on cumulus-mural granulosa cells (C-mGCs)—somatic cells in ovarian tissue crucial for oocyte maturation and early embryonic development—remain unclear. This study was conducted to explore the impact of vitrification on the cellular function of C-mGCs by quantifying the expression of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9), bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP-15), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), connexin 37, survivin, and caspase 3.
Methods
Mature and immature C-mGCs were obtained from 38 women with polycystic ovary syndrome who participated in an in vitro fertilization program. The C-mGCs were then divided into two groups: fresh and vitrified. The expression levels of target genes were assessed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
Results
After vitrification, GDF-9 expression was significantly decreased among both mature and immature C-mGCs, with 0.2- and 0.1-fold changes, respectively (p<0.01). Similarly, FSHR expression in the mature and immature groups was reduced by 0.1- and 0.02-fold, respectively, following vitrification (p<0.01). The expression levels of the other genes, including BMP-15, LHR, connexin 37, survivin, and caspase 3, remained similar across the examined groups (p>0.05).
Conclusion
Vitrification may compromise oocyte maturation through reduced GDF-9 and FSHR expression in C-mGCs after warming.

Keyword

Gene expression; Granulosa cells; Oocyte maturity; Oocyte quality; Vitrification