Biomarkers of human oocyte developmental competence expressed in cumulus cells before ICSI: a preliminary study.

ABSTRACT: To identify reliable genomic biomarkers expressed in cumulus cells that accurately and non-invasively predict the oocyte developmental competence and reinforce the already used morphological criteria.Eight consenting patients were selected for ovarian stimulation and ICSI procedures. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were transvaginally punctured and individually selected based on both good morphological criteria and high zona pellucida birefringence. Following ICSI, two 3-day embryos per patient were transferred. Pregnancy outcome was recorded and proven implantation was thereafter confirmed. Differential gene expression was assessed using two microarray platforms. Further real-time PCR validation, Ingenuity pathways analysis and intra-patient analysis were performed on 17 selected candidates.Seven genes were differentially (p???0.05) associated to successful pregnancy and implantation. These biomarkers could be used to predict the oocyte developmental competence.These genomic markers are a powerful reinforcement of morphological approaches of oocyte selection. Their large-scale validation could increase pregnancy outcome and single embryo transfer efficiency.

SUBMITTER: Assidi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3059525 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature