In human granulosa cells from small antral follicles, androgen receptor mRNA and androgen levels in follicular fluid correlate with FSH receptor mRNA

Abstract

Human small antral follicles (diameter 3-9 mm) were obtained from ovaries surgically removed for fertility preservation.From the individual aspirated follicles, granulosa cells and the corresponding follicular fluid were isolated in 64 follicles, of which 55 were available for mRNA analysis (24 women). Expressions of androgen receptor (AR) mRNA levels in granulosa cells, and of androstenedione and testosterone in follicular fluid, were correlated to the expression of the FSH receptor (FSHR), LH receptor (LHR), CYP19 and antiMüllerian Hormone-receptor II (AMHRII) mRNA in the granulosa cells and to the follicular fluid concentrations of AMH, inhibin-B, progesterone and estradiol. AR mRNA expression in granulosa cells and the follicular fluid content of androgens both showed a highly significant positive association with the expression of FSHR mRNA in granulosa cells. AR mRNA expression also correlated significantly with the expression of AMHRII, but did not correlate with any of the hormones in the follicular fluid. These data demonstrate an intimate association between AR expression in immature granulosa cells, and the expression of FSHR in normal small human antral follicles and between the follicular fluid levels of androgen and FSHR expression. This suggests that follicular sensitivity towards FSH stimulation may be augmented by stimulation of androgens via the AR.

Basal serum testosterone levels correlate with ovarian response but do not predict pregnancy outcome in non-PCOS women undergoing IVF

“…Thus, these tests do not ideally reflect the pool of unrecruited follicles, which may be responsible for ovulatory cycles and the long-term reproductive potential [25][26][27][28]. Age, menstrual cycle length, basal serum FSH, basal estradiol, clomiphene citrate challenge test, AFC, ovarian volume, and ovarian blood flow had been reported to evaluate ovarian reserve, but we need more markers to make the cycle cheaper and more likely to be successful [29][30][31][32][33][34]. In this study, we find that basal T level correlates with AFC and basal FSH levels.…”

“…COH is an essential part of IVF and is needed to obtain oocytes that can be fertilized in vitro. The high cost of IVF is partly due to the use of expensive drugs, such as gonadotrophins, needed for COH [34,35]. In clinical practice, physicians often rely on clinical experience and personal judgment when selecting an appropriate starting dose of follicle stimulation hormone (FSH).…”

Androgen actions in the ovary: balance is key

“…A recent study in human GCs from small antral follicles has reported a positive correlation between mRNA levels of AR and FSHR and androgen levels in follicular fluid (Nielsen et al 2011). Furthermore, androgens were found to induce FSHR mRNA expression during pre-antral to antral follicle progression in several animal models, such as primates , Weil et al 1999, gilts , and bovine (Luo & Wiltbank 2006).…”

Androgen Receptor Gene Tagging Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms are not Associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in South Indian Women

“…AR expressed on ovarian granulosa cells in several mammalian species, most abundantly in pre-and early antral ovarian follicles and gradually declined upon maturation of the ovarian follicle [20]. Recent studies on both human and animals models underlines the importance of AR in follicle growth and survival, FSH mediated dominant follicle selection and conversion of androgens to estrogens in granulosa cell and its impact on its altered expressions [21,22]. Differential expressions of AR at different stages of folliculogenesis, implies the essential role of this receptor on normal functions of ovary.…”