Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in female reproduction: is measurement of circulating AMH a useful tool?

Age-related trends in anti-Mullerian hormone serum level in women with unilateral and bilateral ovarian endometriomas prior to surgery

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is a well-known cause of infertility, and the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is an accepted biomarker of ovarian reserve and response to artificial reproductive technology procedures. The present study was a prospective analysis of age-dependent AMH serum concentration in women with bilateral and unilateral ovarian endometriomas before therapy onset compared with healthy controls.

METHODS

This prospective cross-sectional study included 384 women aged 18-48 years. AMH serum concentration was assessed between days 3 and 6 of the menstrual cycle in 78 patients with bilateral and 157 patients with unilateral ovarian endometriomas and compared with 149 healthy controls. Ovarian endometriosis was confirmed histopathologically, and data were presented as medians with interquartile range (IQR).

RESULTS

Stage III endometriosis was diagnosed in 53.2 %, stage IV in 18.3 %, stage V in 23.4 % and stage VI in 5.4 % of the patients. Patients with bilateral ovarian endometriomas showed the lowest median AMH levels compared with patients suffering from unilateral ovarian endometriosis (0.55; IQR: 0.59 vs. 2.00; IQR: 2.80; p < 0.001) and the control group (0.55; IQR: 0.59 vs. 2.84; IQR: 3.2; p < 0.001). Median AMH concentration values were not significantly different between patients with unilateral ovarian endometriosis and the healthy controls (2.00; IQR: 2.80 vs. 2.84; IQR: 3.2; p = 0.182). A strongly negative correlation between AMH levels and age was confirmed in healthy individuals (R = -0.834; p < 0.001) and women with unilateral ovarian endometriomas (R = -0.774; p < 0.001). Patients with bilateral ovarian endometriosis showed a significantly negative but only moderate correlation between AMH levels and age (R = -0.633; p < 0.001), which was significantly lower than in the healthy controls (R = -0.633 vs. R = -0.834; p = 0.006) but not in the patients with unilateral ovarian endometriosis (R = -0.663 vs. R-0.774; p = 0.093). Based on a multivariate regression analysis, only bilateral localization of ovarian endometrial cysts (p = 0.003) and patient age (p < 0.001), but not left/right localization of unilateral cyst or cyst volume, were negatively associated with AMH serum concentration.

CONCLUSION

According to our data, unilateral ovarian endometriosis had a moderately negative and nonsignificant effect on AMH-based ovarian reserve evaluated prior to surgery, irrespective of age. In contrast, the ovarian reserve was significantly reduced in women with bilateral ovarian endometriomas.

Dehydroepiandrosterone: A panacea for the ageing ovary?

Considerable improvements and advancements have been made in the treatment of infertility but poor ovarian reserve whether due to prematurely or a physiologically ageing ovary, continues to be one of the few unresolved problems of modern infertility care. Fertility researchers had been active for quite some time to find a way to help reverse the effects of ageing on the ovaries but none made an impact till the introduction of Dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA]. DHEA a mild, and therapeutically well tolerated, male hormone has emerged as a real potential candidate to reverse the effects of ageing on ovaries. Apart from this, DHEA has also been postulated to improve egg and embryo quality, pregnancy rates and time to conception and reduces miscarriage rates. This review attempts to highlight the mechanism of action of this drug, its indications and its current status for treating women with decreased ovarian reserve.

Age-specific serum anti-mullerian hormone and follicle stimulating hormone concentrations in infertile Iranian women

Background

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is secreted by the granulosa cells of growing follicles during the primary to large antral follicle stages. Abnormal levels of AMH and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) may indicate a woman’s diminished ability or inability to conceive. Our aim is to investigate the changes in serum AMH and FSH concentrations at different age groups and its correlation with ovarian reserves in infertile women.

Materials and Methods

This cross-sectional study analyzed serum AMH and FSH levels from 197 infertile women and 176 healthy controls, whose mean ages were 19-47 years. Sample collection was performed by random sampling and analyzed with SPSS version 16 software.

Results

There were significantly lower mean serum AMH levels among infertile women compared to the control group. The mean AMH serum levels from different ages of infertile and control group (fertile women) decreased with increasing age. However, this reduction was greater in the infertile group. The mean FSH serum levels of infertile women were significantly higher than the control group. Mean serum FSH levels consistently increased with increasing age in infertile women; however mean luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were not consistent.

Conclusion

We have observed increased FSH levels and decreased AMH levels with increasing age in women from 19 to 47 years of age. Assessments of AMH and FSH levels in combination with female age can help in predicting ovarian reserve in infertile women.

Correlation between the serum luteinizing hormone to folliclestimulating hormone ratio and the anti-Müllerian hormone levels in normo-ovulatory women

Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels are regarded as an age-specific marker for predicting the ovarian reserve in women of reproductive age. Some studies have shown that the luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio can be used as a predictor of ovarian reserve. The purpose of this study was to assess the variation of LH/FSH ratio with aging and to evaluate the correlation between serum LH/FSH ratio and AMH levels as a predictor of the ovarian reserve in normo-ovulatory women. We retrospectively analyzed the day 3 serum hormone levels in 1,251 patients (age range: 20-50 yr) between January 2010 and January 2011. We divided the patients into 6 groups according to their age. Relation between serum AMH level and LH/FSH ratio was analyzed statistically. The serum AMH level was inversely correlated with age (r = -0.400, P < 0.001). A significant negative correlation was found between serum LH/FSH ratio and age (r = -0.213, P < 0.001). There was a significant partial correlation between serum LH/FSH ratio and AMH level when adjusted by age (r = 0.348, P < 0.001). The LH/FSH ratio could be considered as a useful marker for the ovarian reserve and could be applied to the clinical evaluation with AMH.

The correlations of anti-mullerian hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and antral follicle count in different age groups of infertile women

Background

The objective of our study was to identify the correlations between the tests currently used in ovarian reserve assessment: anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and antral follicle count (AFC) and to distinguish the most reliable markers for ovarian reserve in order to select an adequate strategy for the initial stages of infertility treatment.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective study, 112 infertile women were assessed. Subjects were divided into three age groups: group I <35 years (n=39), group II 35-40 years (n=31), and group III 41-46 years (n=42). AMH, FSH and AFC were determined on days 2-3 of the patients’ menstrual cycles.

Results

There was a significantly elevated negative correlation between age and AMH level (r_s=-0.67, p<0.0001) and AFC (r_s=-0.55, p<0.0001). We observed a significantly positive correlation between age and FSH (r_s=0.38, p<0.0001). AMH negatively correlated with FSH (r_s=-0.48, p<0.0001) and positively with AFC (r=-0.71, p=0.0001). There was a moderate negative relation between FSH and AFC (r=-0.41, p=0.0001) and moderate positive relation between age and FSH (r_s=0.38, p<0.0001). The correlation analysis performed in separate groups showed that AMH and AFC showed a statistically significant positive correlation for group I (r=0.57, p<0.0001), group II (r=0.69, p<0.0001) and group III (r=0.47, p<0.002). A statistically significant correlation between FSH and AMH was detected only in groups I (r=-0.41, p<0.02) and II (r=-0.55, p<0.0001). A statistically significant correlation existed between FSH and AFC only in group III (r=-0.42, p<0.006), as well as between age and AFC only in group I (r=-0.35, p<0.03).

Conclusion

Currently, AMH should be considered as the more reliable of the ovarian reserve assessments tests compared to FSH. There is a strong positive correlation between serum AMH level and AFC. The use of AMH combined with AFC may improve ovarian reserve evaluation.

The menstrual cycle regularization following D-chiro-inositol treatment in PCOS women: a retrospective study

Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized by irregular cycles, hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovary at ultrasound and insulin resistance. The effectiveness of D-chiro-inositol (DCI) treatment in improving insulin resistance in PCOS patients has been confirmed in several reports. The objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze the effect of DCI on menstrual cycle regularity in PCOS women. This was a retrospective study of patients with irregular cycles who were treated with DCI. Of all PCOS women admitted to our centre, 47 were treated with DCI and had complete medical charts. The percentage of women reporting regular menstrual cycles significantly increased with increasing duration of DCI treatment (24% and 51.6% at a mean of 6 and 15 months of treatment, respectively). Serum AMH levels and indexes of insulin resistance significantly decreased during the treatment. Low AMH levels, high HOMA index, and the presence of oligomenorrhea at the first visit were the independent predictors of obtaining regular menstrual cycle with DCI. In conclusion, the use of DCI is associated to clinical benefits for many women affected by PCOS including the improvement in insulin resistance and menstrual cycle regularity. Responders to the treatment may be identified on the basis of menstrual irregularity and hormonal or metabolic markers.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH Ile(49)Ser) and Anti-Müllerian hormone type II receptor (AMHRII -482 A>G) as genetic markers in assisted reproduction technology

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the presence Antimullerian hormone (AMH) and Antimullerian hormone type II receptor (AMHRII) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) Ile(49)Ser and -482A>G respectively are related to the assisted reproduction outcome.

METHODS

A prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in order to assess the distribution of AMH and AMHRII SNPs in two cohorts, one of healthy women (N = 100) and the control group and the IVF/ICSI group (N = 151) consisted of women undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment for infertility. Furthermore, a prospective longitudinal observational study was performed on the latter group to assess possible associations of these SNPs with patients' characteristics and controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and pregnancy outcome.

RESULTS

Among non-carriers of the AMH (Ile(49)Ser) polymorphism, basal FSH levels were lower in those with more than two of previous IVF attempts and fertilization rate was statistically higher in those with peak serum E2 levels below 1500 pg/ml, whereas among non-carriers of the AMHRII (-482 A>G) polymorphism, number of follicles was higher in those with more than two previous IVF attempts and total dose of gonadotropins was lower in those with peak serum E2 levels above 1500 pg/ml.

CONCLUSIONS

There was evidence that in specific subgroups of women undergoing IVF/ICSI, AMH and AMHRII SNPs may be related to patients' characteristics and controlled ovarian stimulation and pregnancy outcome and thus may provide a means for the prediction of ovarian response in specific subgroups of women entering an IVF/ICSI program.

Serum anti-Müllerian hormone and insulin resistance in the main phenotypes of non-obese polycystic ovarian syndrome women in China

OBJECTIVES

Objective was to evaluate anti-Müllerian-hormone (AMH) and parameters for insulin resistance (IR) in the main phenotypes of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and to investigate their correlation for the first time in non-obese Chinese women.

METHODS

Within this prospective study, 160 PCOS cases and 40 healthy women, matched by age and BMI, were included. In four groups (n = 40) according to the four phenotypes of PCOS by definition of the National Institute of Health (2012), AMH, ovarian volume and number of follicles 2-9 mm were assessed as well as insulin resistance indexes (Homeostatic Model Assessment) (HOMA-IR) and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI).

RESULTS

AMH levels were higher in PCOS than in controls, with differences comparing the phenotypes, highest in the group with all three criteria for PCOS. However, for HOMA-IR and QUICKI and correlation to AMH no significant differences were found.

CONCLUSIONS

AMH is a useful parameter to assess in the different phenotypes the severity of PCOS, and to compare with healthy women, for the first time demonstrated in Chinese patients. In contrast, the parameters for IR and their relation to AMH did not show clear differences comparing the four phenotypes, and need further investigation.

Anti-mullerian hormone as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for PCOS patients

Purpose

To determine whether the measurement of serum AMH can be used to diagnose PCOS and as a tool to predict the prognosis of PCOS.

Methods

This is a case–control study. Women of reproductive age (18–35 years) were recruited consecutively at a tertiary academic hospital during the period of March 2009–October 2011 and were divided into case (PCOS patients defined by the Rotterdam criteria) and control groups (non-PCOS patients). Menstrual history, clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenism, ovarian ultrasound assessments, and the levels of AMH, LH, FSH, and estradiol were collected.

Results

Seventy-one cases and 71 controls were recruited. AMH serum levels were significantly higher in PCOS patients than in controls. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) of the serum AMH assay in PCOS patients reached a value of 0.870. With a cut-off value of 4.45 ng/ml, the serum AMH level had a sensitivity of 76.1 % and a specificity of 74.6 %. The most common phenotypes of PCOS in this study were anovulation and polycystic ovary (63.4 %). However, the mean level of AMH was highest in the phenotypes of anovulation, polycystic ovaries and hyperandrogenism (11.1 ng/ml).

Conclusions

In Indonesian women, AMH can be used as an alternative diagnostic criteria for PCOS patients with a cut-off value of 4.45 ng/ml. AMH value rise when hyperandrogenism is present therefore serum AMH levels also reflect the phenotype of PCOS. However, these findings must be confirmed with larger clinical studies.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a strong predictor of live birth in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology

In the present study, we evaluated the clinical value of the following parameters: basal anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), inhibin B and antral follicle count (AFC) in predicting live birth outcomes. The study involved 603 women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the long protocol for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Serum levels of AMH, FSH and inhibin B as well as AFC were measured on the first three days of the menstrual cycle prior to the beginning of stimulation. AMH was the only independent parameter that correlated with the chance of live birth. We found that live birth rates of 46.2% (patient age <35 years), 44.7% (35-37 years), 32.1% (38-39) and 15.3% (>39) were associated with concentrations of AMH>1.4 ng/ml. For the AMH range 0.6-1.4 ng/ml, the live birth rates were 29.3%, 12.5%, 5.6% and 2.7%, respectively, and for AMH concentrations below 0.6 ng/ml the rates were 7.1%, 8.3%, 0% and 5.8%, respectively. Independently of other parameters affecting the chance of live birth, the success rate was the highest when the AMH level was >2 ng/ml, significantly lower when the AMH concentration was about 1 ng/ml, and 0% when the AMH concentration was ∼0.1 ng/ml. In conclusion, this is the first report to demonstrate that AMH level correlated better than age, FSH or inhibin B concentrations or AFC with live birth outcome. Therefore, the basal serum concentration of AMH may become a new, substantial prognostic factor regarding live birth above and beyond other currently available predictors of IVF outcome.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH): a reliable biomarker of oocyte quality in IVF

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of serum AMH levels on stimulated IVF implantation and clinical pregnancy rates.

METHODS

•

DESIGN

Retrospective study with multivariate analysis. •

SETTING

Clinique ovo (Montreal University affiliated Center). •

PATIENT(S)

Six hundred and thirty seven patients undergoing a stimulated IVF protocol were included. Only non-polycystic ovary patients at their first IVF attempt were considered for the analysis. •

INTERVENTION(S)

None. •

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES(S)

Implantation and ongoing pregnancy rates.

RESULT(S)

Cycle outcomes were analysed according to AMH percentiles based on the AMH normogram per patient's age of our infertile population. Multivariate analyses were done to adjust for potential confounding factors such as age, total exogenous FSH dosage and number of eggs retrieved. Compared to the reference population, a significant lower mean implantation rate (0.26 vs 0.45) was observed in patients under 35 years of age with AMH < 1 ng/ml. Women with AMH < 25th percentile had less chances of having an embryo transferred, lower chances of having an ongoing pregnancy per started IVF cycle and a lower embryo freezing rate compared to the reference population.

CONCLUSION(S)

Patients with AMH < 0.47 ng/ml should be advised before starting a stimulated IVF cycle of the poorer prognosis compared to our reference population independently of their age, total exogenous FSH dosage and number of eggs retrieved. Therefore, AMH could enable a more individualized number of embryo transfer policy based on oocyte quality.

Relation of antimullerian hormone with the clinical signs of hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovary morphology

The relation of antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels with the clinical and biochemical markers of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) could be different. A total of 463 PCOS patients were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. Groups were constructed according to polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) and menstrual cycle-length. The relation of serum AMH with androgenic hormones, menstrual cycle-length and clinical signs of PCOS were investigated. A powerful positive relation was found between the PCOM and AMH levels (odds ratio = 2.49). There was a negative correlation between age and AMH level (p < 0.001, r[correlation coefficent] = -0.155). Positive correlations were found between luteinizing hormone (LH) and AMH (p < 0.001, r = 0.25) and also between cycle length and AMH (p < 0.01, r = 0.27). We found a negative week correlation between AMH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (p = 0.01, r = -0.19). After controlling main androgenic hormones, AMH was found to be correlated with the Ferriman-Gallway score (p = 0.03, r = 0.18). There was a positive relationship between hirsutism and AMH (odds ratio = 1.43), but no correlation between AMH and other parameters of clinical hyperandrogenism like hair-loss, acne and seborrhea were identified. The strongest relation was presented between the AMH levels and PCOM. Also, cycle-length correlated well with the AMH levels. The relationship between hirsutism and AMH is found to be independent from androgenic hormones.

Anti-Müllerian hormone levels in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome compared with normal women of reproductive age in China

OBJECTIVES

Aim was to evaluate anti-Müllerian-hormone (AMH) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) comparing with normo-ovulatory women, and to assess for the first time AMH levels across reproductive lifespan in Chinese women.

METHODS

Within the prospective cross-sectional study in PCOS cases and in normal subjects, AMH and other hormone levels were measured in early follicular phase in five age groups. Additionally ovarian ultrasound parameters were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 437 PCOS patients and 150 normo-ovulatory women matched by age were included. AMH levels were 2- to 3-fold higher in PCOS cases. In both groups AMH decreased with age in a non-linear pattern. In normo-ovulatory women AMH levels were relatively constant from 18 to 25 years and then declined with age. In contrast, AMH in PCOS cases declined with an increasing rate from 18 to 45 years, narrowing the difference in older women.

CONCLUSIONS

AMH may be a useful parameter to assess the severity and prognosis of PCOS since certain differences exist to normo-ovulatory women. Further studies may improve the understanding of the relationship between AMH levels and age, providing more scientific basis for fertility counselling for both healthy women and PCOS cases.

The effects of isotretinoin on the ovarian reserve of females with acne

There are some side effects of isotretinoin in many organs. However, a study investigating the effects of isotretinoin on the human ovarian reserve has not been reported previously. The study was conducted to investigate possible effects of isotretinoin on ovarian reserve. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were measured at the beginning and at the end of isotretinoin treatment in 22 patients with acne and in 22 women without. The mean AMH level before treatment was 5.77 ng/mL in the study group and 3.79 ng/mL in the control group (p = 0.008). Following treatment, the mean AMH level was 4.69 ng/mL in the study group. This mean AMH level after treatment was statistically lower than the AMH level before treatment (p = 0.012). There was no significant difference between the mean AMH level at the end of treatment and that of the control group (p = 0.20). The high level of pre-treatment AMH levels could be an evidence of hyperandrogenism in women with acne, even if they are not identified as having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hyperandrogenism. Decrease in AMH levels following exposure to isotretinoin may suggest that it has a detrimental effect on the ovaries.

Anti-mullerian hormone: a new marker of ovarian function

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine day 3 Serum AMH, FSH, LH, Estradiol (E2), Inhibin B levels, ovarian volume, and antral follicular count to assess ovarian function.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 130 infertile women between age 18 and 43 years. Day 3 Serum AMH level was estimated by sandwich enzyme immunoassay; Serum FSH, S. LH, S. E2, by solid-phase two-site chemiluminescent immunometric assay; Inhibin B by ELISA; and Ovarian volume and AFC, by transvaginal ultrasonography.

RESULTS

With advancing age, Serum AMH level (p < 0.0001), AFC (p < 0.05), ovarian volume (>0.05), and Inhibin B (>0.05) were decreased, and Serum FSH (p < 0.05), LH (p > 0.05), and E2 (p < 0.05) were increased. Serum AMH level was 4-6.8 ng/ml with optimal fertility in 26.15 % cases and 2.2-4.0 ng/ml with satisfactory fertility in 53.85 % cases. Serum AMH levels were more strongly correlated with AFC (p < 0.0001) and ovarian volume (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Serum AMH levels were more robustly correlated with AFC than FSH, LH, E2, and Inhibin B on day 3 of the cycle. This suggested that serum AMH might be taken as single test to reflect ovarian reserve.

Can high serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels predict the phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and metabolic disturbances in PCOS patients?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate correlations between serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, and metabolic parameters in patients with PCOS.

METHODS

A total of 175 patients with PCOS were diagnosed according to the Rotterdam Consensus were included. Exclusion criteria were age over 40, FSH>25 mIU/mL, and 17a-OHP>1.5 ng/mL. The Phenotypes of PCOS were divided into a severe form (oligo-anovulation, ANOV/hyperandrogenism/polycystic ovary morphology [PCOM]; n=59) and a mild form without HA (ANOV/PCOM, n=105). The serum AMH levels were classified into 3 groups (<5 vs. 5-10 vs. >10 ng/mL). Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m(2) (n=34).

RESULTS

The mean age was 25.9±5.7 year and mean AMH level was 10.1±5.4 ng/mL. The BMI (kg/m(2)) was higher in group 1 (24.2±6.3) than in group 2 (21.9±4.3, p=0.046) or group 3 (21.6±3.3, p=0.019). There was no difference among the three groups in age, menstrual interval, antral follicle counts, androgens, or other metabolic parameters. The obesity group showed significantly lower AMH (7.7±3.9 ng/mL vs. 10.7±5.6 ng/mL), p=0.004) and low-density lipoprotein levels (93.1±21.2 mg/dL vs. 107.5±39.3 mg/dL, p=0.031), and showed higher total T (0.74±0.59 ng/mL vs. 0.47±0.36 ng/mL, p=0.001), free T (2.01±1.9 vs. 1.04±0.8 pg/mL, p=0.0001), and free androgen index (6.2±7.9 vs. 3.5±3.0, p=0.003). After controlling for age factors and BMI, the serum AMH levles did not show any significant correlations with other hormonal or metabolic parmeters.

CONCLUSION

For PCOS patients under the age 40, serum AMH is not negatively correlated with age. High serum AMH levels can not predict the phenotype of PCOS and metabolic disturbances in PCOS patients in the non-obese group. Further study might be needed to define the relation more clearly.

Anti-Müllerian hormone and antral follicle count for prediction of ovarian stimulation response in polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the ability of a combination of multiple ovarian reserve markers to predict ovarian stimulation response in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

On cycle Day 3 of 75 infertile patients with PCOS, serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were measured, and antral follicle count (AFC) and ovarian volume (OV) were evaluated by transvaginal sonography (TVS). All patients underwent the same mild ovarian stimulation protocol using clomiphene citrate and highly purified FSH. Ovulation was monitored by TVS and confirmed by midluteal serum progesterone level.

RESULTS

AMH, AFC, and "ovulation index" [OI, serum AMH (ng/ml) × bilateral AFC] were significantly lower in the ovulatory group (n = 57, 76%) compared with the anovulatory group, whereas LH, FSH, LH/FSH ratio, and OV were not significantly different. Using receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, the OI at a cutoff value of "85" had a sensitivity of 73.7% and a specificity of 72.2% in the prediction of ovulation, with an area under the curve of 0.733. Patients with OI < 85 had significantly higher ovulation rate (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The OI, combining both AMH and AFC, is a potentially useful predictor of the outcome of ovarian stimulation in PCOS.

Changes in the PCOS phenotype with age

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder of reproductive-age women. The diagnosis of PCOS is mainly based on the following three components: (1) hyperandrogenism, (2) oligo-amenorrhea, and (3) the observation of polycystic ovaries on a sonogram. The comorbidities may include insulin resistance, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Importantly, the diagnostic criteria and complications related to PCOS are age-dependent. Androgen production in women may decrease because of ovarian aging or decreased production by the adrenal glands over time. The prevalence of hirsutism and acne decreases with age. Ovarian volume and follicle number also decrease with age, with the age-related decrease in follicle number seemingly greater than that of ovarian volume. Aging may also be associated with increased risk of insulin resistance and metabolic disturbances. Therefore, these age-related changes may affect the observed incidence and complications of PCOS. In adolescent patients, the criteria described above pose particular diagnostic problems because the characteristics of normal puberty often overlap with the signs and symptoms of PCOS. Hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation are the primary disturbances in younger women with PCOS; whereas, obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic disturbances are predominant in older women with PCOS. The deterioration of insulin resistance during the reproductive life of women with PCOS appears to be mainly attributable to the increase in obesity. Therefore, if body weight could be controlled properly, younger hyperandrogenic PCOS women might reduce their risk of insulin resistance and metabolic disturbances later in life.

Polymorphisms in gonadotropin and gonadotropin receptor genes as markers of ovarian reserve and response in in vitro fertilization

Since gonadotropins are the fundamental hormones that control ovarian activity, genetic polymorphisms may alter gonadal responsiveness to glycoproteins; hence they are important regulators of hormone activity at the target level. The establishment of the pool of primordial follicles takes place during fetal life and is mainly under genetic control. Consequently, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in gonadotropins and their receptors do not seem to be associated with any significant modification in the endowment of nongrowing follicles in the ovary. Indeed, the age at menopause, a biological characteristic strongly related to ovarian reserve, as well as markers of functional ovarian reserve such as anti-Müllerian hormone and antral follicle count, are not different in women with different genetic variants. Conversely, some polymorphisms in FSH receptor (FSHR) seem to be associated with modifications in ovarian activity. In particular, studies suggest that the Ser680 genotype for FSHR is a factor of relative resistance to FSH stimulation resulting in slightly higher FSH serum levels, thus leading to a prolonged duration of the menstrual cycle. Moreover, some FSHR gene polymorphisms show a positive association with ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropin administration, hence exhibiting some potential for a pharmacogenetic estimation of the FSH dosage in controlled ovarian stimulation. The study of SNPs of the FSHR gene is an interesting field of research that could provide us with new information about the way each woman responds to exogenous gonadotropin administration during ovulation induction.

Modeling age at menopause using serum concentration of anti-mullerian hormone

CONTEXT

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) has already been used for prediction of age at menopause with promising results.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to improve our previous prediction of age at menopause in a population-based cohort by including all eligible subjects and additional follow-up time.

DESIGN AND SETTING

All reproductive-aged women who met our eligibility criteria were selected from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. The serum concentration of AMH was measured at the time of recruitment, and participant's date of menopause was recorded over a 10-year follow-up.

SUBJECTS

A total of 1015 women, aged 20 to 50 years, with regular and predictable menstrual cycles at the initiation of the study were recruited.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The actual ages at menopause were compared with the predicted ones obtained from accelerated failure time model.

RESULTS

We observed 277 occurrences of menopause. Median menopausal age was 50 years (range 30.1-58.2 years). The median (SD) of differences between the actual menopausal age and those predicted by our model was 0.5 (2.5) years. Model adequacy (measured by C-statistics) for correct prediction of age at menopause was 92%. The estimated ages at menopause and their 95% confidence intervals for a range of values of AMH and age were calculated and summarized in a table.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a model built on age and AMH, we can predict age at menopause many years earlier. This could provide opportunities for interventions in those who are at risk of early or late menopause.

The anti mullerian hormone- a novel marker for assessing the ovarian reserve in women with regular menstrual cycles

BACKGROUND

Ovarian Reserve (OR) is a term which describes the functional potential of the ovary, which constitutes the size of the ovarian follicle pool and reflects the number and quality of the oocytes which are within it. Assessment of the OR helps in reflecting the reproductive potential of women. Various markers are available for assessing the OR and the best marker is the Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) which reflects the ovarian follicular pool in the ovary. In this study, the serum level of AMH/MIS(Mullerian Inhibiting Substance)was estimated to assess the ovarian reserve in both fertile and infertile women.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the ovarian reserve in women of the fertile and subfertile groups with regular cycles, who were in the age range of 26 -33yrs, by estimating the level of AMH and those of other hormones like FSH and E2 and also to calculate the ovarian volume and the Antral follicular count by an ultrasonographic method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty fertile and thirty sub fertile women whose ages ranged from 26-33yrs were included as group 1 and group 2 respectively. The hormones like AMH ,FSH and oestradiol were assayed. Measurement of the ovarian volume and the antral follicular count by doing a transvaginal ultrasonogram, was done in all the subjects who were involved in both the groups. The correlation test was studied between the variables and the test of significance of the variables between the 2 groups was also analyzed by the Statistical Package Of Social Sciences (SPSS).

RESULTS

The Antral Follicular Count (AFC) and the ovarian volume were negatively correlated with the age. The ovarian volume was positively correlated with the AFC. The FSH negatively correlated with the AFC. The Anti Mullerian Hormone negatively correlated with the age, and it positively correlated with the AFC. The mean values of AFC, FSH, and AMH were also statistically significant between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

AMH can be considered as a marker for assessing the ovarian reserve, as it is cycle independent as compared to the other hormones. The women in the subfertile group with low levels of AMH should be insisted to proceed for ART as early as possible.

Effect of hysterectomy with ovarian preservation on ovarian function

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively estimate the risk for earlier ovarian failure among women undergoing hysterectomy with ovarian preservation, as compared with women of similar age without hysterectomy.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted among women aged 30 to 47 years undergoing hysterectomy without bilateral oophorectomy (n=406) and women with intact uteri (n=465). Blood samples and questionnaire data were obtained at baseline and annually for up to 5 years. Hazard ratios (HR) for ovarian failure, defined as follicle-stimulating hormone levels 40 international units/L or higher, were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Ovarian failure occurred among 60 of the women with hysterectomy and 46 of the women in the control group. Women undergoing hysterectomy were at nearly a twofold increased risk for ovarian failure as compared with women with intact uteri (HR 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-2.86). The proportional hazards model further estimated that 14.8% of women with hysterectomies experienced ovarian failure after 4 years of follow-up compared with 8.0% of the women in the control group. Risk for ovarian failure was greater for women who had a unilateral oophorectomy along with their hysterectomy (HR 2.93, 95% CI 1.57-5.49), but also it was significantly increased for women who retained both ovaries (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.14-2.65).

CONCLUSION

Increased risk of earlier ovarian failure is a possible consequence of premenopausal hysterectomy. Although it is unresolved whether it is the surgery itself or the underlying condition leading to hysterectomy that is the cause of earlier ovarian failure, physicians and patients should take into account this possible sequela when considering options for treatment of benign conditions of the uterus.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Regulation of the ovarian reserve by members of the transforming growth factor beta family

Genetic or environmental factors that affect the endowment of oocytes, their assembly into primordial follicles, or their subsequent entry into the growing follicle pool can disrupt reproductive function and may underlie disorders such as primary ovarian insufficiency. Mouse models have been instrumental in identifying genes important in ovarian development, and a number of genes now associated with ovarian dysfunction in women were first identified as causing reproductive defects in knockout mice. The transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) family consists of developmentally important growth factors that include the TGFBs, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), activins, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and growth and differentiation factor 9 (GDF9). The ovarian primordial follicle pool is the source of oocytes in adults. Development of this pool can be grossly divided into three key processes: (1) establishment of oocytes during embryogenesis followed by (2) assembly and (3) activation of the primordial follicle. Disruptions in any of these processes may cause reproductive dysfunction. Most members of the TGFB family show pivotal roles in each of these areas. Understanding the phenotypes of various mouse models for this protein family will be directly relevant to understanding how disruptions in TGFB family signaling result in reproductive diseases in women and will present new areas for development of tailored diagnostics and interventions for infertility.

Anti-Müllerian hormone serum values and ovarian reserve: can it predict a decrease in fertility after ovarian stimulation by ART cycles?

Background

A variety of indicators of potentially successful ovarian stimulation cycles are available, including biomarkers such as anti-Mullerian hormone. The aim of our study was to confirm the usefulness of serum anti-Mullerian hormone assay in predicting ovarian response and reproductive outcome in women eligible for ART cycles.

Materials

Forty-six women undergoing ART cycles at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine in Parma were recruited from March-to-June 2010. Inclusion criteria: age<42 years; body-mass-index = 20–25; regular menstrual cycles; basal serum FSH concentration <12 IU/L and basal serum estradiol concentration <70 pg/mL. The couples included in our study reported a variety of primary infertility causes. All women underwent FSH stimulation and pituitary suppression (GnRH-agonist/GnRH-antagonist protocols). Women were considered poor-responders if thay had ≤3 oocytes; normal-responders 4–9 oocytes and high-responders ≥10 oocytes. Serum samples for the AMH assays were obtained on the first and last days of stimulation. A P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result

FSH levels increased significantly when AMH levels decreased. The total dose of r-FSH administered to induce ovulation was not correlated to AMH. The number of follicles on the hCG, serum estradiol levels on the hCG-day, and the number of retrieved oocytes were significantly correlated to AMH. The number of fertilized oocytes was significantly correlated to the AMH levels. No significant correlation was found between obtained embryos or transferred embryos and AMH. Basal serum AMH levels were significantly higher than those measured on the hCG-day, which appeared significantly reduced. There was a significant correlation between AMH in normal responders and AMH in both high and poor responders.

Conclusions

Our data confirm the clinical usefulness of AMH in ART-cycles to customize treatment protocols and suggest the necessity of verifying an eventual permanent decrease in AMH levels after IVF.

Progressive decline of residual follicle pool after clinical diagnosis of autoimmune ovarian insufficiency

CONTEXT

In approximately 5-8% patients with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), the disease is caused by an autoimmune process made evident by the appearance of autoantibodies against steroidogenic enzymes (SCA-POI). Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) is the best marker of the residual follicular pool.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the rate of loss of the residual follicle pool in women with SCA-POI after clinical diagnosis.

DESIGN AND METHODS

One hundred and thirty-two women with POI were tested for 21-hydroxylase autoantibodies, 17α-hydroxylase autoantibodies and P450scc autoantibodies, and 35 patients with SCA-POI were identified. AMH was analysed at the time of the first visit in all women with POI, and in follow-up, serum samples were taken 1-3 years after in 11 women with SCA-POI and detectable AMH.

RESULTS

12/35 (35%) women with SCA-POI had AMH levels within the normal range at the time of first sampling, as compared to 6/97 (6%) with idiopathic POI (P < 0·001). 11/17 (65%) women with SCA-POI with <6 years disease duration had normal serum AMH concentration. A progressive decline in AMH concentration was observed at longitudinal follow-up in all 11 AMH-positive women with SCA-POI, at an estimated average rate of 1·6 μg/l AMH/year (corresponding to an average 57% of preserved follicle pool/previous year) (R(2)  = 0·219, P = 0·028). After 6 years of disease duration, only 1/18 (6%) women with SCA-POI had detectable levels of AMH, similar to women with idiopathic POI (5/78, 6%).

CONCLUSION

Most women with SCA-POI present at clinical diagnosis with a preserved follicle pool that is progressively lost within a few years.

Different diagnostic power of anti-Mullerian hormone in evaluating women with polycystic ovaries with and without hyperandrogenism

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to compare the secretory profiles and diagnostic power of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) for the PCOS patient with and without hyperandrogenism.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-one PCOS patients with oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea were recruited into the study. Sixty-two and sixty-nine patients had and did not have hyperandrogenism (HA+) hyperandrogenism (HA-), respectively. Sera were collected for determining the levels of AMH, basal sexual hormones, glucose and lipid metabolic indicators.

RESULTS

The AMH serum levels of PCOS patients were significantly higher than the control group, with the highest AMH serum level in the HA+ group. The cut-off value for predicting PCOS patients of all types was 3.92 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 65 %, and specificity of 62 %. The cut-off value for predicting PCOS patients in the HA+ group was 4.23 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 82 %, and specificity of 64 %. The cut-off value for predicting PCOS patients in the HA- group was 3.76 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 64 %, and specificity of 62 %. In the HA+ group, AMH was negatively associated with FSH and positively associated with LH. In the HA- group, AMH was negatively associated with HDL and positively associated with BMI, fasting glucose and LDL.

CONCLUSIONS

AMH is only suitable for predicting the PCOS patients with hyperandrogenism. The diagnostic power of AMH is limited when used to predict patients without hyperandrogenism. It reflects the differences in pathophysiology and severity of disrupted folliculogenesis between the two subtypes.

Menopausal status and adjuvant hormonal therapy for breast cancer patients: a practical guideline

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy amongst women in the developed world. For patients with hormone-sensitive breast cancer eligible for adjuvant hormonal therapy, it is important to know if the ovaries are (still) functional or not. Indeed, the choice for a specific adjuvant hormonal treatment depends on the menopausal status of an individual woman. The currently available measures to determine the menopausal status are conflicting. Until better measures become available, we propose a practical guideline enabling an optimal choice of adjuvant hormonal therapy for women with a hormone receptor positive breast cancer taking into account uncertainties about their menopausal status.

Random anti-Müllerian hormone predicts ovarian response in women with high baseline follicle-stimulating hormone levels : anti-Müllerian hormone in poor responders in assisted reproductive treatment

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the predictive value of random serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in the assessment of ovarian response in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR; diagnosed after the observation of elevated baseline levels of early follicular follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH]) who were undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (ICSI-ET) and to compare the random serum AMH and baseline FSH levels in these patients for the prediction of poor ovarian response.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS

One hundred and thirty-nine patients who were undergoing ICSI-ET cycles with early follicular FSH level >9 IU/mL.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Poor ovarian response in ICSI-ET cycles.

RESULTS

For the identification of women at risk of cycle cancellation, an AMH cut-off level ≤1.2 ng/mL had 97.3 % sensitivity, 31.3 % specificity, 33.9 % positive predictive value, and 96.9 % negative predictive value in the women with high baseline FSH levels. An AMH cut-off level ≥1 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 58.7 % and specificity of 95.1 % for prediction of retrieval of 4 or more oocytes. By using a serum AMH cutoff level of 1.5 ng/mL, the ongoing pregnancies were predicted with 83.3 % sensitivity and 82.5 % specificity and yielded a positive predictive value of 31.2 % and a negative predictive value 98.1 %.

CONCLUSION

Measurement of random serum AMH level is a useful tool in the prediction of ovarian response in patients with high serum early follicular FSH levels.

Serum anti-Müllerian hormone, inhibin B, and total inhibin levels in women with hypothalamic amenorrhea and anorexia nervosa

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether neuroendocrine forms of secondary amenorrhea (hypothalamic nervosa (HA) and anorexia nervosa (AN)) affect serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B, and total inhibin levels.

METHODS

Amenorrheic women (n = 82) (aged between 16 and 35 years old) according to diagnosed with neuroendocrine forms of amenorrhea: HA (n = 64), AN (n = 18), and healthy women (n = 41) (control group) were enrolled. Serum AMH, inhibin B, and total inhibin levels were measured by specific ELISA.

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference of AMH serum levels between women with HA, AN, and control group was observed. Serum inhibin B and total inhibin levels in women with HA (p < 0.0001), AN (p < 0.05) resulted significantly lower than in control healthy women.

CONCLUSION

The present data showed that neuroendocrine forms of amenorrhea are associated with an impaired inhibin secretion while not AMH. These data indirectly support that AMH is an excellent marker of ovarian reserve and its secretion is not influenced by the hypothalamic-ovarian axis activity.

Epigenetic mechanism underlying the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-like phenotypes in prenatally androgenized rhesus monkeys

The pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is poorly understood. PCOS-like phenotypes are produced by prenatal androgenization (PA) of female rhesus monkeys. We hypothesize that perturbation of the epigenome, through altered DNA methylation, is one of the mechanisms whereby PA reprograms monkeys to develop PCOS. Infant and adult visceral adipose tissues (VAT) harvested from 15 PA and 10 control monkeys were studied. Bisulfite treated samples were subjected to genome-wide CpG methylation analysis, designed to simultaneously measure methylation levels at 27,578 CpG sites. Analysis was carried out using Bayesian Classification with Singular Value Decomposition (BCSVD), testing all probes simultaneously in a single test. Stringent criteria were then applied to filter out invalid probes due to sequence dissimilarities between human probes and monkey DNA, and then mapped to the rhesus genome. This yielded differentially methylated loci between PA and control monkeys, 163 in infant VAT, and 325 in adult VAT (BCSVD P<0.05). Among these two sets of genes, we identified several significant pathways, including the antiproliferative role of TOB in T cell signaling and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling. Our results suggest PA may modify DNA methylation patterns in both infant and adult VAT. This pilot study suggests that excess fetal androgen exposure in female nonhuman primates may predispose to PCOS via alteration of the epigenome, providing a novel avenue to understand PCOS in humans.

Serum anti-Müllerian hormone as a predictive marker of polycystic ovarian syndrome

Background

The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a dimeric protein secreted by the female ovaries and has two fundamental roles in follicle genesis. It delays the entrance of the primordial follicle into the pool of follicles in growth and diminishes the sensitivity of the ovarian follicle towards follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The purpose of this work was to study the AMH (nv 2.0–6.8 ng/mL) as a marker during assisted reproductive technology (ART), in order to identify cases of infertility due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This syndrome affects 10% of women with infertility problems, and a new biological marker could be useful to general practitioners of internal medicine to help generate the suspicion of PCOS so that they can refer the patient to the gynecologist for confirmation.

Methods

This study enrolled 236 patients aged 26–46 years undergoing assisted reproductive technology at the Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Trieste, Italy. On the third day of the ovarian cycle, the patients were given doses of AMH, FSH, and luteinizing hormone (LH, in cases of AMH < 2.0–6.8 ng/mL). A control pelvic ultrasound was also carried out.

Results

We identified 57 patients who were starting in vitro fertilization or embryo transfer with AMH values within the normal range (3.64 ± 1.51 ng/mL), 77 with values below normal (1.38 ± 0.32 ng/mL), and 96 cases with undetectable values of AMH. Six patients had very high AMH levels (10.0 ± 2.28 ng/mL) and, of these, five were found to have PCOS on pelvic ultrasound examination (P < 0.05). We also found inverse correlations between AMH levels and age (r = −0.52) and between AMH and FSH levels (r = −0.32).

Conclusion

In clinical practice it is common to encounter patients who turn to medicine in search of a cure for female infertility. In our experience, AMH two or three times the normal amount (10 ± 2.28 ng/mL), is a good indication of PCOS and infertility.

Physiology and Endocrinology Symposium: Harnessing basic knowledge of factors controlling puberty to improve synchronization of estrus and fertility in heifers

The development of replacement heifers is a major economic investment for all beef and dairy operations. The costs associated with heifer development cannot be recovered if heifers do not conceive and remain productive in the herd; therefore, heifers need to conceive early in the breeding season or risk being culled. Previous research has reported up to a 21% increase in fertility from pubertal estrus to the third estrus of a heifer. The use of reproductive tract scores to determine pubertal status has demonstrated that peripubertal and pubertal heifers have increased pregnancy success to estrous synchronization compared with heifers that were prepubertal. The development of RIA has allowed accurate measurement of peripheral blood hormone concentrations associated with the pubertal process and luteal formation. This basic knowledge has increased our understanding of the mechanisms that control puberty in heifers. In addition, understanding the hormonal changes that occur during the estrous cycle has allowed for the development of estrous synchronization protocols that result in increased control of follicular growth, regression of luteal tissue, and ovulation. Transrectal ultrasonography has increased our understanding of follicular waves; this understanding led to research investigating the endocrine regulation of follicular waves and development of methods to synchronize follicular waves for purposes of fixed-time AI. Current topics of research include the effect of antral follicle count on fertility and the effect of maternal nutrition (on the fetus in utero) on subsequent reproductive potential of a heifer (i.e., fetal programming). Advancements in genomic technologies will likely provide a powerful tool for selecting heifers at birth that will have a greater probability of being reproductively successful if managed correctly. Therefore, knowledge gained through basic research on factors that control puberty has improved and will continue to improve heifer development and fertility.