Expression of antiapoptosis gene survivin in luteinized ovarian granulosa cells of women undergoing IVF or ICSI and embryo transfer: clinical correlations

Abstract

BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to determine the incidence of survivin gene expression in human granulosa cells during ovarian stimulation in Greek women with normal FSH levels, undergoing IVF or ICSI and to discover any correlation between levels of gene expression and clinical parameters, efficacy of ovulation or outcomes of assisted reproduction.MethodsTwenty nine women underwent ovulation induction for IVF or ICSI and ET with standard GnRH analogue-recombinant FSH protocol. Infertility causes were male and tubal factor. Cumulus–mature oocyte complexes were denuded and the granulosa cells were analyzed for each patient separately using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis for survivin gene expression with internal standard the ABL gene.ResultsThe ABL and survivin mRNA were detected in granulosa cells in 93.1%. The expression levels of survivin were significantly lower in normal women (male infertility factor) compared to women with tubal infertility factor (p = 0.007). There was no additional statistically significant correlation between levels of survivin expression and estradiol levels or dosage of FSH for ovulation induction or number of dominant follicles aspirated or number of retrieved oocytes or embryo grade or clinical pregnancy rates respectively.ConclusionsHigh levels of survivin mRNA expression in luteinized granulosa cells in cases with tubal infertility seem to protect ovaries from follicular apoptosis. A subpopulation of patients with low levels of survivin mRNA in granulosa cells might benefit with ICSI treatment to bypass possible natural barriers of sperm-oocyte interactions.

Markers of stem cells in human ovarian granulosa cells: is there a clinical significance in ART?

“…The gene expression levels of survivin in total pregnant patients were higher than those in total non pregnant patients [88]. Moreover, Varras et al (2012) studied only normal women (male factor infertility) and women with tubal factor infertility who underwent IVI or ICSI and embryo transfer [69]. Women with endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome were not included in their study since endometriosis and androgens promote apoptosis [85,89].…”

“…It is possible that survivin might try to protect ovaries, with possible influenced perfusion due to ipsilateral salpingectomy. In cases with tubal inflammation or hydrosalpinges survivin might try to protect the ovaries from follicular apoptosis in a paracrine environment [69]. The authors suggested their hypothesis about the levels of survivin mRNA expression in ovarian granulosa cells in tubal factor infertility.…”

“…The study received approval from the hospital’s ethics committee, and written informed consent was obtained from the participants of this study. Details for the hormone assays are given in the recent manuscript by Varras et al [69]. …”

“…The protocol for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and follicle monitoring, have previously been described [69]. In order to determine Oct-4 and DAZL mRNA expression, cumulus cells were collected during oocyte retrieval.…”

Role of survivin in the pathogenesis of papillary thyroid carcinoma

“…Cell apoptosis in the case of most apoptosis-inducing signals is known to occur via related protease (Varras et al, 2012). Survivin resists the induction of apoptosis at the G 2 /M stage of the cell cycle through cell cycle-dependent expression.…”