Abnormal expressions of ADAMTS-1, ADAMTS-9 and progesterone receptors are associated with lower oocyte maturation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PURPOSE

ADAMTS-1 and 9 play a crucial role in the ovulation and their altered levels may play a role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study was to assess ADAMTS-1 and 9 expression and their correlation with the oocyte quality and maturity in the cumulus cells (CCs) of PCOS patients and normovulatory women during an IVF procedure.

METHODS

Expression of ADAMTS-1 and 9 and progesterone receptors (PRs) in the CCs containing MII and germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes of 37 PCOS patients and 37 women with normal ovulatory function who underwent IVF treatment was evaluated using qRT-PCR. Moreover, correlation between ADAMTS-1 and 9 expression and oocyte quality were also investigated.

RESULTS

mRNA expression levels of ADAMTS-1 and ADAMTS-9 were significantly reduced in the women with PCOS compared to the normovulatory women. ADAMTS-1 and ADAMTS-9 mRNA expression levels in the CCs showed a considerable correlation. Lower expression levels of ADAMTS-1 and ADAMTS-9 in PCOS patients were strongly correlated with diminished oocyte maturation. There was a remarkable association between ADAMTS-1 and ADAMTS-9 mRNA expression levels and oocyte quality. PRs (PRA and PRB) were dramatically decreased in PCOS patients when compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study indicated that ADAMTS-1 and ADAMTS-9 as well as PRs are downregulated in the human CCs in PCOS patients, which could be associated with impaired oocyte maturation and may result in a lower oocyte recovery and oocyte maturity rates, as well as lower fertilization rate.