Survivin gene expression in granulosa cells from infertile patients undergoing in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer

ObjectiveTo evaluate survivin gene expression in granulosa cells from infertile patients and examine the relationship between survivin gene expression and infertile clinical background.DesignProspective study.SettingIVF-ET program at Osaka Medical College.Patient(s)Twenty-eight patients underwent ovulation induction for IVF-ET performed because of tubal infertility, male factor infertility, or endometriosis.Intervention(s)Granulosa cells obtained at oocyte retrieval were examined for survivin gene expression by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Main Outcome Measure(s)Hormone environment, number of oocytes, fertilization rate, high-quality embryo rate, pregnancy rate, and expression of survivin genes.Result(s)Survivin gene expression was detected in all granulosa cells. The gene expression levels of survivin in patients with endometriosis were significantly lower than those in patients with male factor infertility. The gene expression levels of survivin in total pregnant patients were higher than those in total nonpregnant patients and than those in the male factor infertility group, and there was no correlation between gene expression level and serum E2 level.Conclusion(s)Survivin may be used as an indicator of the success of IVF-ET, and the existence of endometriosis may elevate the apoptosis of granulosa cells.