Anti-Müllerian hormone and anti-Müllerian hormone type II receptor polymorphisms are associated with follicular phase estradiol levels in normo-ovulatory women.

BACKGROUND

In mice, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) inhibits primordial follicle recruitment and decreases FSH sensitivity. Little is known about the role of AMH in human ovarian physiology. We hypothesize that in women AMH has a similar role in ovarian function as in mice and investigated this using a genetic approach.

METHODS

The association of the AMH Ile(49)Ser and the AMH type II receptor (AMHR2) -482 A > G polymorphisms with menstrual cycle characteristics was studied in a Dutch (n = 32) and a German (n = 21) cohort of normo-ovulatory women.

RESULTS

Carriers of the AMH Ser(49) allele had higher serum estradiol (E(2)) levels on menstrual cycle day 3 when compared with non-carriers in the Dutch cohort (P = 0.012) and in the combined Dutch and German cohort (P = 0.03). Carriers of the AMHR2 -482G allele also had higher follicular phase E(2) levels when compared with non-carriers in the Dutch cohort (P = 0.028), the German cohort (P = 0.048) and hence also the combined cohort (P = 0.012). Women carrying both AMH Ser(49) and AMHR2 -482G alleles had highest E(2) levels (P = 0.001). For both polymorphisms no association with serum AMH or FSH levels was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Polymorphisms in the AMH and AMHR2 genes are associated with follicular phase E(2) levels, suggesting a role for AMH in the regulation of FSH sensitivity in the human ovary.