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Effect of GnRH down-regulation on cumulus cell viability and apoptosis as measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting

  • ASSISTED REPRODUCTION
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Abstract

Objective

To determine whether gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)-agonist or -antagonist induces higher percentages of cumulus cell apoptosis and if the use of either is detrimental to ART outcomes.

Patients

Women in a private facility under treatment for IVF had their cumulus cells isolated and analyzed by flow cytometry. Viable, apoptotic, and dead cumulus cell rates related to ovarian stimulation by GnRH-agonist or -antagonist were measured and compared with fertilization and implantation rates.

Results

Treatment with GnRH-agonist produced a greater number of follicles than treatment with GnRH-antagonist. No differences in implantation and pregnancy rates were found. While cumulus cell (CC) apoptosis was positively correlated with estradiol on the day of hCG administration, no significant difference in the percentage of apoptotic cells between treatments was detectable. Additionally, implantation rate and the average follicular estradiol production on the day of hCG administration were no different between treatments.

Conclusions

GnRH-agonist or -antagonist treatment protocols induce similar levels of apoptosis in CCs and are not detrimental to ART outcomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Genesis Genetics Brazil, Rua Mato-Grosso, 306, CJ.506 CEP., 01239-040, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

    Pericles Assad Hassun Filho

  2. Huntington - Reproductive Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil

    Mariana Antunes Ribeiro, André Monteiro da Rocha, José Roberto Allegreti, Paulo Cesar Serafini & Eduardo Leme Alves da Motta

Authors
  1. Pericles Assad Hassun Filho
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  2. Mariana Antunes Ribeiro
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  3. André Monteiro da Rocha
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  4. José Roberto Allegreti
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  5. Paulo Cesar Serafini
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  6. Eduardo Leme Alves da Motta
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Pericles Assad Hassun Filho.

Additional information

Capsule abstract Mode of GnRH down regulation does not influence cumulus cell survival.

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Hassun Filho, P.A., Ribeiro, M.A., da Rocha, A.M. et al. Effect of GnRH down-regulation on cumulus cell viability and apoptosis as measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. J Assist Reprod Genet 25, 467–471 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-008-9263-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-008-9263-9

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