Decreased GDF9 and BMP15 in follicle fluid and granulosa cells and outcomes of IVF-ET among young patients with low prognosis.

Purpose: To analyze the level of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) in follicle fluid (FF) and granulosa cells (GCs) derived from young patients with low prognosis for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out by enrolling 52 young patients with low prognosis according to the POSEIDON classification group 3 (low prognosis group) and 51 young patients with normal ovarian reserve (control group). The concentration of the GDF9 and BMP15 proteins in FF was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA level of the GDF9 and BMP15 in the GCs was measured by quantitative real-time PCR.
Results: The concentration of GDF9 (1026.72 ± 159.12 pg/mL vs. 1298.06 ± 185.41 pg/mL) and BMP15 (685.23 ± 143.91 pg/mL vs. 794.37 ± 81.79 pg/mL) in FF and the mRNA level of GDF9 and BMP15 in the GCs and the live birth rate per treatment cycle started (30.77% vs. 50.98%) and oocytes retrieved (4.25 ± 1.91 vs.12.04 ± 4.24) were significantly lower, whereas the canceled cycle rate was significantly higher (9.62% vs. 0) in the low prognosis group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The expression of GDF9 and BMP15 in the ovary was positively correlated with live birth (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The expression of GDF9 and BMP15 in the ovary was decreased in young patients with low prognosis accompanied by a poorer outcome of IVF-ET treatment.
Trial Registration: ChiCTR1800016107 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry), May 11, 2018. ( http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=27216&htm=4 ).
(© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)