Purpose: The aim was to evaluate whether the expression of cyclin D2 mRNA in human luteinized granulosa cells correlates with the clinical parameters of women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) programs.
Methods: Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques, the cyclin D2 mRNA in human luteinized granulosa cells of large follicles was measured. Correlation analysis between cyclin D2 mRNA expression and clinical parameters [age; day 3 follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2); E2 and P4 at the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG); total amount of gonadotropin and the number of days of gonadotropin administration; pregnancy outcome] were performed.
Result(s): Cyclin D2 mRNA expression showed negative correlation with patient's age (R = -0.60, P < 0.005) and total amount of gonadotropins (R = -0.45, P < 0.03), and also showed positive correlation with serum E2 levels at the day of hCG administration (R = 0.55, P < 0.02). Other clinical parameters showed no statistical significance. Cyclin D2 mRNA expression of pregnant group was higher than that of nonpregnant group (P < 0.03).
Conclusions: Cyclin D2 mRNA expression in human luteinized granulosa cells positively correlates with clinical parameters of ovarian function and may be a novel marker for the health of human ovarian follicle.