Authors: Kevenaar, Marlies E.; Themmen, Axel P.N.; Rivadeneira, Fernando; Uitterlinden, Andr G.; Laven, Joop S.E.; van Schoor, Natasja M.; Lips, Paul; Pols, Huibert A.P.; Visser, Jenny A.

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 22, Number 9, 18 September 2007 , pp. 2382-2388(7)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND

Anti-Mllerian hormone (AMH) inhibits primordial follicle recruitment in the mouse ovary. We hypothesize that in women AMH signaling also regulates the usage of the primordial follicle pool and hence influences the onset of menopause. Since age at menopause has a strong genetic component, we investigated the role of AMH signaling using a candidate gene approach.

METHODS

In two large population-based cohorts of Dutch post-menopausal women (n 2381 and n 248), we examined the association between two polymorphisms, one in the AMH gene and one in the AMH type II receptor (AMHR2) gene, and natural age at menopause.

RESULTS

The AMH Ile⁴⁹Ser polymorphism (rs10407022) was not associated with age at menopause in either cohort. In the Rotterdam cohort, the AMHR2 482 A > G polymorphism (rs2002555) was associated with age at menopause in interaction with the number of offspring (P 0.001). Nulliparous women homozygous for the G-allele entered menopause 2.6 years earlier compared with nulliparous women homozygous for the A-allele (P 0.005). In the LASA cohort, women with the G/G genotype tended to enter menopause 2.8 years earlier compared with the A/A genotype (P 0.063).

CONCLUSIONS

The observed association of the AMHR2 482 A > G polymorphism with natural age at menopause suggests a role for AMH signaling in the usage of the primordial follicle pool in women.

Keywords: anti-Mllerian hormone; menopause; follicle recruitment; polymorphism

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dem176

Publication date: 2007-09-18

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.

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• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: Kevenaar, Marlies E. ;  Themmen, Axel P.N. ;  Rivadeneira, Fernando ;  Uitterlinden, Andr G. ;  Laven, Joop S.E. ;  van Schoor, Natasja M. ;  Lips, Paul ;  Pols, Huibert A.P. ;  Visser, Jenny A.

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