Authors: de Koning, C.H.; Benjamins, T.; Harms, P.; Homburg, R.; van Montfrans, J.M.; Gromoll, J.; Simoni, M.; Lambalk, C.B.

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 21, Number 2, February 2006 , pp. 443-446(4)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Recently a polymorphic variant of the FSH receptor in which amino acid asparagine (Asn) at position 680 is replaced by serine (Ser) was found. This is associated with higher FSH levels in the early follicular phase and an increased FSH requirement to obtain follicular response in IVF patients. The aim of our study was to test the hypothesis that this receptor isoform occurs more often in regularly menstruating subfertility patients with elevated basal FSH than in those with normal early follicular phase FSH. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 38 subfertility patients with a regular menstrual cycle and elevated FSH (>10 IU/l) compared to 40 patients with normal early follicular phase FSH was carried out. DNA was analysed to determine the FSH receptor genotype. RESULTS: The N680S variant on one or both alleles of the FSH receptor gene was significantly more prevalent in patients with elevated FSH (P < 0.05). The homozygous Asn/Asn variant at codon 680 was found in 45% of women with normal FSH and in 21% of women with elevated FSH. The homozygous Ser/Ser receptor variant was present in 12.5% of women with normal FSH and in 21% of patients with elevated FSH. Also the heterozygous combination of both variants Asn/Ser occurred more often in women with elevated FSH (58 versus 42.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The N680S sequence variation of the FSH receptor is found in >75% of the cases with elevated basal FSH and suggests a higher FSH threshold.

Keywords: basal FSH; elevated FSH; FSH receptor; FSH receptor mutations; polymorphisms

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dei317

Publication date: 2006-02-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: de Koning, C.H. ;  Benjamins, T. ;  Harms, P. ;  Homburg, R. ;  van Montfrans, J.M. ;  Gromoll, J. ;  Simoni, M. ;  Lambalk, C.B.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers