GDF9 polymorphisms: Influence on ovarian response in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation

Abstract

Objective: The study looked into the possible influence of GDF9 polymorphisms on ovarian response in women with a normal ovarian reserve undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 67 women with normal ovarian reserve aged 30-39 years submit-ted to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF. We se-quenced four polymorphisms in the GDF9 gene (C398G, C447T, G546A, and G646A) and analyzed their influence on follicular and oocyte outcomes. Results: The mutant allele C398G decreased the total number of follicles >17mm (6.49 vs. 4.33, p=0.001), total number of follicles (10.11 vs. 7.33, p=0.032), number of MII oocytes retrieved, and serum progesterone levels on trigger day. The C447T polymorphism was associated with a greater number of follicles between 12 and 14 mm on the day of r-hCG, while the G546A polymorphism was associated with lower serum progesterone levels on trigger day. Conclusions: GDF9 gene polymorphisms C398G and C447T adversely affected ovarian response in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. These findings show that in addition to playing a role in the early stages of folliculogenesis, GDF9 polymorphisms have an important impact on the final stage of oocyte development.