Mullerian inhibiting substance in humans: normal levels from infancy to adulthood

Is serum AMH a suitable biomarker to determine litter size or fetal sex in goats?: A preliminary study

This study was conducted in Damascus goats to i) investigate the relationship between serum AMH concentrations and litter size, ii) evaluate the change in serum AMH concentration between the 35th and 135th days of pregnancy, iii) determine whether fetal sex affected the maternal AMH level. Estrus was synchronized in 110 goats (intravaginal sponge containing medroxyprogesterone acetate for nine days, combined with d-cloprostenol and Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin at sponge removal). Blood samples were taken on the 4th and 9th days of synchronization. Goats at estrus were mated naturally. Study groups were established based on the number of fetuses on ultrasound examination as Group I (n = 18, goats carrying one fetus) and Group II (n = 18, goats carrying multiple fetuses) (Experiment I). Additionally, blood samples were taken every 20 days between the 35th and 135th days of pregnancy. After the parturition, groups were formed according to the sex of the kids; single/multiple male fetuses (GroupM, n = 8), single/multiple female fetuses (GroupF, n = 8), and fetuses of the opposite sex (GroupFM, n = 8), (Experiment II). There was no significant relationship between serum AMH concentration and litter size (P > 0.05). As pregnancy progressed maternal AMH concentration tended to decrease (P < 0.001), and fetal sex did not affect maternal AMH (P > 0.05). In conclution circulating AMH was not an ideally biomarker for determining litter size on natural breeding or predicting fetal sex in goats. Futher studies with larger sample sizes and the reduced individual variables (age and ovarian activity) are recommened.

Analytical performances of a novel fluorescent immunoassay of anti-Müllerian hormone and establishment of the reference intervals in Chinese children

Background

AMH is important in child growth and the concentrations change with age and gender. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Pylon AMH assays and establish pediatric reference intervals.

Methods

The experiments on imprecision, sensitivity, linearity, reportable range, interference and comparison were carried out to evaluate the analytical performance. The AMH reference ranges were calculated in 238 females and 346 males aged 0-18 years using robust methods.

Results

The repeatability and the within-laboratory imprecision CVs of the assay were 3.7 % and 6.4 % at 2.25 ng/mL, and 4.6 % and 6.4 % at 15.49 ng/mL, respectively. The sensitivity (LoB = 0.05 ng/mL, LoD = 0.1 ng/mL and LoQ = 0.3 ng/mL) was verified. The linearity was 0.1-19.55 ng/mL and report up to 391 ng/mL with 20x pre-dilution. There was no significant interference from hemoglobin (500 mg/dL), triglyceride (500 mg/dL), bilirubin (10 mg/dL), cholesterol (800 mg/dL) and biotin (3000 ng/mL). The AMH measured by the Pylon assays correlated to those measured by the Elecsys assays. In males, the AMH levels were high at birth (0 d-1 m: median 95.10 ng/mL) and increased to a peak (7 m-1y: median 158.80 ng/mL) before they decreased with age (15-18 y: median 6.31 ng/mL). In females, the AMH concentrations were low at birth (0 d-1 m: median 0.20 ng/mL) and increased with age (15-18 y: median 3.03 ng/mL).

Conclusion

The Pylon AMH assays showed good analytical performance and the AMH reference intervals in chinese children determined may provide a basis in clinical diagnosis and treatment of related diseases.

Premature Thelarche: An Updated Review

BACKGROUND

Premature thelarche is the most common pubertal disorder in girls. The condition should be differentiated from central precocious puberty which may result in early epiphyseal fusion and reduced adult height, necessitating treatment.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this article is to familiarize physicians with the clinical manifestations of premature thelarche and laboratory tests that may help distinguish premature thelarche from central precocious puberty.

METHODS

A search was conducted in September 2022 in PubMed Clinical Queries using the key term "Premature thelarche". The search strategy included all clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews published within the past 10 years. Only papers published in the English literature were included in this review. The information retrieved from the above search was used to compile the present article.

RESULTS

Premature thelarche denotes isolated breast development before the age of 8 years in girls who do not manifest other signs of pubertal development. The condition is especially prevalent during the first two years of life. The majority of cases of premature thelarche are idiopathic. The condition may result from an unsuppressed hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the early years of life, an "overactivation" of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in early childhood secondary to altered sensitivity to steroids of the hypothalamic receptors controlling sexual maturation, increased circulating free estradiol, increased sensitivity of breast tissue to estrogens, and exposure to exogenous estrogens. The cardinal feature of premature thelarche is breast development which occurs without additional signs of pubertal development in girls under 8 years of age. The enlargement may involve only one breast, both breasts asymmetrically, or both breasts symmetrically. The breast size may fluctuate cyclically. The enlarged breast tissue may be transiently tender. There should be no significant changes in the nipples or areolae and no pubic or axillary hair. The vulva, labia majora, labia minora, and vagina remain prepubertal. Affected girls have a childlike body habitus and do not have mature contours. They are of average height and weight. Growth and osseous maturation, the onset of puberty and menarche, and the pattern of adolescent sexual development remain normal. Most cases of premature thelarche can be diagnosed on clinical grounds. Laboratory tests are seldom indicated. No single test can reliably differentiate premature thelarche from precocious puberty.

CONCLUSION

Premature thelarche is benign, and no therapy is necessary apart from parental reassurance. As enlargement of breasts may be the first sign of central precocious puberty, a prolonged follow- up period every 3 to 6 months with close monitoring of other pubertal events and linear growth is indicated in all instances.

Anti-Müllerian hormone levels and breast cancer risk in the study of women's health across the nation

PURPOSE

The relation of premenopausal anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels with breast cancer risk has been evaluated in a few studies, but primarily in non-Hispanic White women.

METHODS

We evaluated the association of AMH levels with breast cancer risk in Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a multi-ethnic cohort of women. At enrollment, participants had an intact uterus and ≥ 1 ovary, and ≥ 1 menstrual period in the last 3 months. AMH at first measurement was assessed in 1,529 pre- or perimenopausal women using a high-sensitivity ELISA assay; values were natural log transformed. Breast cancer diagnoses were assessed at enrollment and subsequent follow-up visits through 2018 (median 6.1 years).

RESULTS

In total, 84 women reported an incident breast cancer diagnosis. In multivariable Cox regression models adjusting for age, race and ethnicity, body mass index, and other factors, higher AMH levels were associated with a non-significant increased breast cancer risk. Compared to women in the 1st quartile, the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for women in the 4th quartile was 1.77 (0.87-3.60).

CONCLUSION

Our results did not suggest a significant association between AMH and breast cancer risk; however, estimates were consistent with prior studies that reported positive associations.

Does Anti-Müllerian hormone vary during a menstrual cycle? A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Numerous studies have indicated that the level of the Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), one of the main markers for the ovarian reserve, does not fluctuate throughout a menstrual cycle, while some studies have rejected this finding. The purpose of this systematic and meta-analysis study is to consensus on all contradictory studies that have measured AMH levels throughout the menstrual cycle and to investigate the exact extent of AMH variation in a cycle.

METHODS

The protocol for this meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO before data extraction. Relevant studies were identified by systematic search in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar with no limitation on publication date. Longitudinal studies which have evaluated AMH levels in the follicular and luteal phases of an unstimulated (natural) menstrual cycle in healthy women without endocrinology or ovarian disorders were included. We used the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for assessing the quality of studies found eligible for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies involving 733 women with regular menstrual cycles were included. The results showed that the AMH level in the follicular phase was significantly higher than in the luteal phase (95% Cl = 0.11 [0.01 to 0.21]; p < 0.05) and it varies about 11.5% from the luteal phase. The analysis of studies which had also examined the ovulatory phase (n = 380) showed that the serum levels of AMH in the ovulatory phase (about 2.02 ng/ml) did not significantly vary compared to follicular (95% Cl = 0.11 [-0.10 to 0.33]; p = 0.30) and luteal (95% Cl = 0.06 [-0.08 to 0.20]; p = 0.43) phases.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of this study, AMH levels differ between follicular and luteal phases which might be due to ovarian response to the gonadotropins. It seems the phase of AMH measurement needs to be considered for interpretation of the serum AMH test.

Anti-Müllerian Hormone Regulation of Synaptic Transmission in the Hippocampus Requires MAPK Signaling and Kv4.2 Potassium Channel Activity

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a paracrine factor generated peripherally by the gonads to regulate gonadal function in adult mammals. We recently reported that AMH and AMH-specific receptor Anti-Müllerian hormone receptor 2 (AMHR2) are expressed in the hippocampus, and exogenous AMH protein rapidly increased synaptic transmission and long-term synaptic plasticity at the CA3-CA1 synapses. Here we examined the cell-specific expression of AMHR2 and the cellular mechanism of rapid boosting effect of AMH on synaptic transmission in mouse hippocampus. Immunofluorescence staining showed that AMHR2 was specifically expressed in the soma and dendrites of hippocampal pyramidal neurons, but not glial cells. Electrophysiological recordings on acute hippocampal slices showed that AMH did not affect AMPAR-mediated or N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR)-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents at the CA3-CA1 synapses. The small-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel (SK2) and A-type K⁺ channel (Kv4.2) contribute to shaping excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) at the CA3-CA1 synapses. Bath application of apamin to block SK2 did not alter AMH effect on increasing EPSPs, whereas blocking Kv4.2 channel with 4-aminopyridine, or chelating internal Ca²⁺ with BAPTA occluded the action of AMH on boosting EPSPs. Kv4.2 activity is regulated by p38 mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK). Blocking p38 MAPK with SB203580 occluded the effect of AMH on increasing EPSPs. These results show that Kv4.2 channel contributes to the rapid action of AMH on boosting synaptic transmission in a Ca²⁺- and p38 MAPK-dependent manner. Our findings provide functional evidence that AMH enhances synaptic transmission through Kv4.2 channel in the hippocampus, suggesting a possible role of Kv4.2 channel in AMH-regulated neuronal process underlying learning and memory.

Translational Physiology of Anti-Müllerian Hormone: Clinical Applications in Female Fertility Preservation and Cancer Treatment

Background

Whilst the ability of AMH to induce the regression of the Müllerian ducts in the male fetus is well appreciated, AMH has additional biological actions in relation to steroid biosynthesis and ovarian follicle dynamics. An understanding of the physiology of AMH illuminates the potential therapeutic utility of AMH to protect the ovarian reserve during chemotherapy and in the treatment of female malignancies. The translation of the biological actions of AMH into clinical applications is an emerging focus of research, with promising preliminary results.

Objective and Rationale

Studies indicate AMH restrains primordial follicle development, thus administration of AMH during chemotherapy may protect the ovarian reserve by preventing the mass activation of primordial follicles. As AMH induces regression of tissues expressing the AMH receptor (AMHRII), administration of AMH may inhibit growth of malignancies expressing AMHR II. This review evaluates the biological actions of AMH in females and appraises human clinical applications.

Search Methods

A comprehensive search of the Medline and EMBASE databases seeking articles related to the physiological functions and therapeutic applications of AMH was conducted in July 2021. The search was limited to studies published in English.

Outcomes

AMH regulates primordial follicle recruitment and moderates sex steroid production through the inhibition of transcription of enzymes in the steroid biosynthetic pathway, primarily aromatase and 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase. Preliminary data indicates that administration of AMH to mice during chemotherapy conveys a degree of protection to the ovarian reserve. Administration of AMH at the time of ovarian tissue grafting has the potential to restrain uncontrolled primordial follicle growth during revascularization. Numerous studies demonstrate AMH induced regression of AMHR II expressing malignancies. As this action occurs via a different mechanism to traditional chemotherapeutic agents, AMH has the capacity to inhibit proliferation of chemo-resistant ovarian cancer cells and cancer stem cells.

Wider Implications

To date, AMH has not been administered to humans. Data identified in this review suggests administration of AMH would be safe and well tolerated. Administration of AMH during chemotherapy may provide a synchronistic benefit to women with an AMHR II expressing malignancy, protecting the ovarian reserve whilst the cancer is treated by dual mechanisms.

Current Understandings of Core Pathways for the Activation of Mammalian Primordial Follicles

The mammalian ovary has two main functions-producing mature oocytes for fertilization and secreting hormones for maintaining the ovarian endocrine functions. Both functions are vital for female reproduction. Primordial follicles are composed of flattened pre-granulosa cells and a primary oocyte, and activation of primordial follicles is the first step in follicular development and is the key factor in determining the reproductive capacity of females. The recent identification of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) signaling pathway as the key controller for follicular activation has made the study of primordial follicle activation a hot research topic in the field of reproduction. This review systematically summarizes the roles of the PI3K/PTEN signaling pathway in primordial follicle activation and discusses how the pathway interacts with various other molecular networks to control follicular activation. Studies on the activation of primordial follicles have led to the development of methods for the in vitro activation of primordial follicles as a treatment for infertility in women with premature ovarian insufficiency or poor ovarian response, and these are also discussed along with some practical applications of our current knowledge of follicular activation.

Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone in the Prediction of Response to hCG Stimulation in Children With DSD

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and the testosterone response to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation test is unclear.

METHODS

Children who had hCG stimulation tests in one tertiary centre from 2001 to 2018 were included (n = 138). Serum testosterone was measured before (day 1 [D1]) and after 3 days (D4) of hCG stimulation. Sixty-one of these children also had prolonged hCG stimulation for 2 more weeks and serum testosterone measured after 21 days (D22). All children had a serum AMH measured on D1.

RESULTS

Of the 138 children, D4 testosterone was normal in 104 (75%). AMH was low in 24/138 (17%) children, and 16 (67%) of these had a low D4 testosterone. Median AMH in those who had a normal vs low D4 testosterone was 850 pmol/L (24, 2280) and 54 pmol/L (0.4, 1664), respectively (P < 0.0001). An AMH > 5th centile was associated with a low D4 testosterone in 18/118 (13%; P < 0.0001). Of the 61 children who had prolonged hCG stimulation, D22 testosterone was normal in 39 (64%). AMH was low in 10/61(16%) children and 9 (90%) of these had a low D22 testosterone. Median AMH in children who responded and did not respond by D22 was 639 pmol/L (107, 2280) and 261 pmol/L (15, 1034) (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

A normal AMH may provide valuable information on overall testicular function. However, a low AMH does not necessarily predict a suboptimal testosterone response to hCG stimulation.

Rapid actions of anti-Müllerian hormone in regulating synaptic transmission and long-term synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus

Anti-Müllerian hormone (Amh) is a peptide factor that is known to regulate sexual differentiation and gonadal function in mammals. Although Amh is also suggested to be associated with cognitive development and function in the postnatal brain, little is known about its expression or direct effects on neuronal activities in the hippocampus. Therefore, we assessed Amh and its receptor expression in the hippocampus of male and female mice using PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. While Amh-specific receptor expression was comparable between males and females, mRNA and protein levels of Amh were higher in females than those of males. Electrophysiological recordings on acute hippocampal slices showed that exogenous Amh protein addition increased synaptic transmission and long-term synaptic plasticity at the Cornu Ammonis (CA) 3-CA1 synapses. Amh exposure also increased the excitatory postsynaptic potential at CA1 synapses. Our findings support direct and rapid actions of Amh as a paracrine and/or autocrine factor in regulating hippocampal neuronal activities. Data provide functional evidence of Amh-mediated postsynaptic modulation of synaptic transmission and Amh-regulated long-term synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. These results suggest a potential role of Amh in learning and memory, and a possible cause of the sex differences in cognitive development and function.

Blood Testis Barrier and Somatic Cells Impairment in a Series of 35 Adult Klinefelter Syndrome Patients

Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) is the most common genetic cause of infertility in men. Degeneration of the testicular tissue starts in utero and accelerates at puberty with hyalinisation of seminiferous tubules, spermatogonia apoptosis and germ cell maturation arrest. Therefore, fertility preservation in young KS boys has been proposed, although this measure is still debated due to insufficient knowledge of the pathophysiology of the disease. To better understand the underlying mechanisms of testicular failure and germ cell loss, we analysed functional and morphological alterations in the somatic compartment of KS testis, i.e., Sertoli cells, including the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and Leydig cells (LC). We compared three populations: 35 KS 47,XXY non-mosaic patients, 28 Sertoli-cell-only (SCO) syndrome patients and 9 patients with normal spermatogenesis. In KS patients the expression of BTB proteins connexin-43 and claudin-11 assessed with a semi-quantitative scoring system appeared significantly reduced with a disorganised pattern. A significant reduction in seminiferous tubules expressing androgen receptors (AR) was observed in KS compared to normal spermatogenesis controls. INSL3 expression, a marker of LC maturation, was also significantly reduced in KS compared to patients with normal spermatogenesis or SCO. Hence, the somatic compartment impairment in KS could be involved in degeneration of seminiferous tubules.

Antimüllerian Hormone Levels of Infants with Premature Thelarche

OBJECTIVE

Antimüllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations in mini puberty are higher than those reported for the prepubertal period. In this study we investigated AMH concentrations in infants with premature thelarche (PT). A healthy control group was used for comparison.

METHODS

Forty five female infants with PT, aged between one and three years and a control group consisting of 37 healthy girls in the same age range were included in the study. Bone age, pelvic ultrasonography, and concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol and AMH of the patient group were evaluated. Only serum AMH concentration of the control group was evaluated.

RESULTS

Median (range) serum AMH concentrations in the subjects were 1.66 ng/mL (11.85 pmol/L) [0.15-6.32 ng/mL (1.07-45.12 pmol/L)] and were significantly lower (p=0.025) than for the control group; 1.96 ng/mL (13.99 pmol/L) [0.60-8.49 ng/mL (4.28-60.64 pmol/L)]. AMH and FSH were negatively correlated (r=-0.360, p=0.015) in infants with PT. There was no correlation between AMH and uterine size, uterine volume, endometrial thickness, fundocervical ratio, ovarian size or volume, follicle size and follicle number.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study that investigates AMH concentrations in infants with PT. The low AMH levels in these infants and the negative correlation between AMH and FSH suggests that AMH may play a role in suppressing pubertal findings during infancy and that decreased AMH may cause PT in infancy.

Clinical application of serum anti-Müllerian hormone in women

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a peptide growth factor of the transforming growth factor-β family, is a reliable marker of ovarian reserve. Regarding assisted reproductive technology, AMH has been efficiently used as a marker to predict ovarian response to stimulation. The clinical use of AMH has recently been extended and emphasized. The uses of AMH as a predictive marker of menopause onset, diagnostic tool for polycystic ovary syndrome, and assessment of ovarian function before and after gynecologic surgeries or gonadotoxic agents such as chemotherapy have been investigated. Serum AMH levels can also be affected by environmental and genetic factors; thus, the effects of factors that may alter AMH test results should be considered. This review summarizes the findings of recent studies focusing on the clinical application of AMH and factors that influence the AMH level and opinions on the use of the AMH level to assess the probability of conception before reproductive life planning as a “fertility test.”

Vitamin D and Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels in Infertility Treatment: The Change-Point Problem

Background: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is considered to be one of the most significant indicators of women’s fertility. Many studies have shown that vitamin D may modify human reproductive functions; however, the results are conflicting. The composition of follicular fluid (FF) creates the biochemical environment of the oocyte and affects its quality, which later determines the embryo quality. In this study, we aimed to revise with advanced statistical techniques the relationship between AMH and vitamin D in FF. Methods: The study was designed as a prospective single-center study in infertile patients with AMH ≥ 0.7 ng/mL who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization. AMH and vitamin D levels in FF were measured. Next, the standard and advanced statistical (including segmented regression) techniques were applied. Results: We observed a negative linear correlation between levels of AMH in serum and FF and total vitamin D concentrations up to approximately 30 ng/mL; with a statistically significant relationship in FF. Beyond that concentration, the trend was positive but statistically insignificant. Conclusions: As an existing “change-point problem” was noticed, we suggest segmentation in the relationship between vitamin D and AMH during infertility treatment.

Anti-Müllerian Hormone Gene Polymorphism is Associated with Clinical Pregnancy of Fresh IVF Cycles

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and AMH type II receptor (AMHRII) genes on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. In this prospective cohort study, we genotyped the AMH 146 T > G, AMHRII −482 A > G and AMHRII IVS1 +149 T > A variants in 635 women undergoing their first cycle of controlled ovarian stimulation for IVF. DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of all participants, and the SNPs were genotyped by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The distributions, frequencies of genes, and correlation with clinical pregnancy of IVF were analyzed. The AMH 146 T > G G/G genotype in women was associated with a lower clinical pregnancy rate (T/T: 55.0%, T/G: 51.8%, G/G: 40.0%; p < 0.05). Women with the AMH 146 T > G GG genotype were half as likely to have a clinical pregnancy compared with women with TT genotypes (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.34–0.88, p = 0.014). With multivariate analysis, the AMH 146 T > G GG genotype remains as a significant independent factor to predict clinical pregnancy (p = 0.014). No significant difference was found between AMHRII polymorphisms and clinical pregnancy outcomes of IVF. In conclusion, our results show that AMH 146 T > G seems to be a susceptibility biomarker capable of predicting IVF pregnancy outcomes. Further studies should focus on the mechanism of these associations and the inclusion of other ethnic populations to confirm the findings of this study.

Müllerian inhibiting substance/anti-Müllerian hormone type II receptor protein and mRNA expression in the healthy and cancerous endometria

Müllerian inhibiting substance/anti-Müllerian hormone (MIS/AMH) is a regulator of the female reproductive system, an indicator of ovarian reserve and a growth inhibitor of Müllerian duct-derived tumors in vivo and in vitro. The objective of the present study was to analyze MIS/AMH type II receptor (MIS/AMHRII) protein and mRNA expression in healthy human endometria compared with patients with endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer, providing a foundation for MIS/AMH as a biological modifier for treatment of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer. The present study included healthy endometrial tissues (n=20), simple endometrial hyperplasia tissues without atypia (n=17), complex endometrial hyperplasia tissues without atypia (n=24) and endometrial cancer tissues (n=8). The location and variation of MIS/AMHRII protein expression was observed by immunohistochemistry. The expression was graded by two pathologists and was categorized as follows: Negative, weakly positive, moderately positive or strongly positive. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify MIS/AMHRII mRNA expression. The expression of MIS/AMHRII protein was observed in the cytoplasm of healthy human endometria, endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer cells. The frequency of MIS/AMHRII protein expression was 20.22±10.35% in the proliferative phase of the healthy endometrium and 24.09±11.73% in the secretory phase of the healthy endometrium. However, no differences were observed in the menstrual cycle phases. The frequency was 54.50±16.59% in endometrial hyperplasia without atypia, 55.10±15.87% in endometrial hyperplasia with atypia and 73.88±15.70% in endometrial cancer, indicating that expression was enhanced as the disease progressed from healthy to malignant status. In endometrial hyperplasia, MIS/AMHRII protein expression was significantly associated with histological complexity compared with atypia status. The present study demonstrated that MIS/AMHRII is present in healthy endometria, endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer. The low expression frequency of MIS/AMHRII was not significantly different among normal endometrial tissues, however, the protein expression was elevated in endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer. These findings indicated that the study of bioactive MIS/AMH, as a possible treatment for tumors expressing the MIS/AMH receptor, is essential.

Paediatric Anti-Müllerian Hormone measurement: Male and female reference intervals established using the automated Beckman Coulter Access AMH assay

OBJECTIVE

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) concentration is high at birth in males, demonstrating the presence of functional testicular tissue in the prepubertal period, and acting as a useful marker in the investigation of paediatric reproductive disorders. AMH also provides a tool in the investigation of female virilization, premature ovarian failure and polycystic ovarian syndrome in childhood. Robust, assay-specific paediatric AMH reference intervals are therefore required for clinical interpretation of results. The aim of this study was to derive age-specific AMH reference intervals for males and females aged 0-18 years.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

Plasma samples were obtained from patients at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and analysed for AMH using the automated Beckman Coulter Access AMH Assay. Patients under investigation for paediatric reproductive or endocrine disorders were excluded from the study.

MEASUREMENTS

Seven hundred and 2 patient plasma samples (465 male, 237 female) were subject to AMH measurement, and results were analysed in order to derive continuous and discrete reference intervals for the paediatric age range.

RESULTS

Clear discrimination between male and female AMH results was evident in the prepubertal age range, with some overlap between the genders following pubertal onset.

CONCLUSIONS

We have derived age-related reference intervals for plasma AMH in the paediatric age range (0-18 years) using the automated Beckman Coulter Access AMH assay which will aid in the investigation of paediatric endocrine disorders such as disorders of sexual development.

Peripubertal serum dioxin concentrations and subsequent sperm methylome profiles of young Russian adults

BACKGROUND

The association of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals in the peripubertal period with subsequent sperm DNA methylation is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the association of peripubertal serum 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) concentrations with whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) of sperm collected in young adulthood.

METHODS

The Russian Children's Study is a prospective cohort of 516 boys who were enrolled at 8-9 years of age and provided semen samples at 18-19 years of age. WGBS of sperm was conducted to identify differentially methylated regions (DMR) between highest (n = 4) and lowest (n = 4) peripubertal TCDD groups.

RESULTS

We found 52 DMRs that distinguished lowest and highest peripubertal serum TCDD concentrations. One of the top scoring networks, "Cellular Assembly and Organization, Cellular Function and Maintenance, Carbohydrate Metabolism", identified estrogen receptor alpha as its central regulator.

CONCLUSION

Findings from our limited sample size suggest that peripubertal environmental exposures are associated with sperm DNA methylation in young adults.

The expression of Müllerian inhibiting substance/anti-Müllerian hormone type II receptor in myoma and adenomyosis

Objective

We compared the expression levels of Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS)/anti-Müllerian hormone type II receptor (AMHRII) in uterine myoma and adenomyosis to evaluate the possibility of using MIS/anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a biological regulator or therapeutic agent in patients with uterine leiomyoma and adenomyosis.

Methods

We studied normal uterine myometrium, leiomyoma, endometrial tissue, and adenomyosis from 57 patients who underwent hysterectomy for uterine leiomyoma (22 cases) or adenomyosis (28 cases) and myomectomy for uterine myoma (7 cases). Immunohistochemical staining was used to confirm the MIS/AMHRII protein expression level in each tissue. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed to quantify MIS/AMHRII mRNA expression.

Results

The MIS/AMHRII protein was more strongly expressed in uterine myoma (frequency of MIS/AMHRII expressing cells: 51.95%±13.96%) and adenomyosis (64.65%±4.85%) tissues than that in the normal uterine myometrium (3.15%±1.69%) and endometrium (31.10%±7.19%). In the quantitative analysis of MIS/AMHRII mRNA expression, MIS/AMHRII mRNA expression levels in uterine myoma (mean density: 4.51±0.26) and adenomyosis (6.84±0.20) tissues were higher than that in normal uterine myometrial tissue (0.08±0.09) and endometrial tissue (1.63±0.06).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that MIS/AMHRII was highly and strongly expressed on uterine myoma and adenomyosis. Our data suggest that MIS/AMH may be evaluated as a biological modulator or therapeutic agent on MIS/AMHRII expressing uterine myoma and adenomyosis.

Circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) associates with the maturity of boys' drawings: Does AMH slow cognitive development in males?

PURPOSE

High levels of circulating anti-Müllerian hormone are unique to developing males, but the function of anti-Müllerian hormone in boys is unknown. In mice, anti-Müllerian hormone contributes to the male biases in the brain, but its receptors are present throughout non-sexually dimorphic portions of the brain. In humans, the speed of maturation is the most overt difference between girls and boys. We postulate that this is because anti-Müllerian hormone slows the maturation of the male human brain.

METHODS

One hundred and fourty three 5-year or 6-year-old boys and 38 age-matched girls drew a person and donated a blood sample. The children's drawings were blind-scored to generate a maturity index. The level of anti-Müllerian hormone and the other Sertoli cell hormone, inhibin B, were measured by ELISA. The relationship between the children's age, hormones and maturity index were examined by linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

The girls drew more complex and realistic person than the boys (32%, p = 0.001), with their drawings also being larger (39%, p = 0.037) and more coloured-in (235%, p = 0.0005). The maturity index in boys correlated with age (+r = 0.43, p < 0.0005) and anti-Müllerian hormone level (-r = -0.29, p < 0.0005). The association between maturity index and anti-Müllerian hormone level persisted when corrected for age and for inhibin B (r = -0.24, p = 0.0005). The calculated effect of the median level of anti-Müllerian hormone (1 nM) was equal to 0.81 months of development. The size and colouring of the drawings did not correlate with the boys' age, anti-Müllerian hormone or inhibin B.

CONCLUSIONS

This exploratory study provides the first indicative evidence that circulating anti-Müllerian hormone may influence the development of the human brain.

Acute Supplementation with High Dose Vitamin D3 Increases Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Young Women

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a paracrine regulator of ovarian follicles. Vitamin D (Vit D) regulates AMH production in vitro, but its role as a regulator of ovarian AMH production is contentious. If Vit D influences ovarian AMH production, then an acute rise in Vit D level should lead to an acute rise in circulating AMH levels. This hypothesis was tested with a randomized double-blind design, with 18–25-year-old women recruited from the community. The study was conducted in early spring, when the marker of Vit D level (25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D) tends to be at its nadir. The women consumed either an oral dose of 50,000 IU of Vit D3 (n = 27) or placebo (n = 22). The initial 25(OH)D ± SD value was 53.6 ± 23.3 nmol/L, with 42 of the 49 women having a value below 75 nmol/L, consistent with seasonal nadir. All women receiving Vit D3 treatment exhibited a robust increase in serum 25(OH)D within 1 day (15.8 ± 1.1 nmol/L (n = 27), p < 0.0001), with the increase sustained over the study week. Circulating levels of AMH in the women receiving Vit D3 progressively rose during the following week, with a mean increase of 12.9 ± 3.7% (n = 24, p = 0.001). The study supports the hypothesis that Vit D’s positive effects on the fertility of woman may involve the regulation of ovarian AMH levels.

Do the Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels of Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Those Who Are at Risk for Developing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and Those Who Exhibit Isolated Oligomenorrhea Differ from Those of Adolescents with Normal Menstrual Cycles?

BACKGROUND/AIMS

We aimed to investigate whether the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), PCOS risk, and isolated oligomenorrhea (OM) were different than in adolescents with a normal/regular menstrual cycle (NMC).

METHODS

The diagnosis of PCOS was based on the 2012 Amsterdam [European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology/American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ESHRE/ASRM)] criteria. The PCOS group consisted of cases meeting 3 diagnostic criteria (n = 21), and the PCOS risk group was the 'at risk' group meeting 2 diagnostic criteria (n = 20). Cases with isolated OM that did not satisfy other PCOS diagnostic criteria made up the OM group (n = 21). Thirty adolescent girls with NMCs (21-45 days) were recruited in this study.

RESULTS

The AMH levels in the PCOS group were similar to those in the PCOS risk group but significantly higher than those in the OM and NMC groups. The AMH levels in the PCOS risk group were similar to those in the OM group and significantly higher than those in the NMC group. They were also significantly higher in the OM group compared to the NMC group. The specificity for PCOS and PCOS risk with a cutoff value of 7.25 ng/ml for AMH was 72.5% and the sensitivity was 58%.

CONCLUSION

An AMH cutoff value of 7.25 ng/ml can be used for the diagnosis of PCOS in the adolescent period.

Relative levels of the proprotein and cleavage-activated form of circulating human anti-Müllerian hormone are sexually dimorphic and variable during the life cycle

Anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a gonadal hormone, which induces aspects of the male phenotype, and influences ovarian follicular recruitment. AMH is synthesized as a proprotein (proAMH), which is incompletely cleaved to the receptor‐competent AMH_N,C. AMH ELISAs have not distinguished between proAMH and AMH_N,C; consequently, the physiological ranges of circulating proAMH and AMH_N,C are unknown. A novel proAMH ELISA has been used to assay serum proAMH in humans. Total AMH was also measured, enabling the AMH_N,C concentration to be calculated. Stored serum from 131 boys, 80 younger, and 106 older men were examined, with serum from 14 girls and 18 women included for comparison. The mean levels of proAMH and AMH_N,C in pM were respectively: boys (253, 526), men (7.7, 36), elderly men (5.7, 19), girls (3.3, 15), and women (5.2, 27) (boys vs. men, P < 0.001; girls vs. women, P = 0.032). The proportion of proAMH as a percentage of total AMH (API) was approximately twofold higher in boys than men (P < 0.001) with little overlap between the ranges, with girls also exhibiting lesser cleavage of their AMH than women (P < 0.001). The API varied within each population group. In young men, the API did not correlate with circulating levels of the other testicular hormones (testosterone, InhB, and INSL3). In conclusion, the cleavage of circulating AMH varies extensively within the human population, with most individuals having significant levels of proAMH. The physiological and clinical relevance of circulating proAMH needs to be established.

Changes in Circulating ProAMH and Total AMH during Healthy Pregnancy and Post-Partum: A Longitudinal Study

Circulating Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is derived from the gonads, and is a mixture of the prohormone (proAMH), which does not bind to AMH receptors, and receptor-competent AMH. The functions of a hormone are partially defined by the factors that control its levels. Ovarian reserve accounts for 55~75% of the woman-to-woman variation in AMH level, leaving over 25% of the biological variation to be explained. Pregnancy has been reported to decrease circulating AMH levels, but the observations are inconsistent, with the effect of pregnancy on the bioactivity of AMH being unknown. We have therefore undertaken a longitudinal study of circulating proAMH and total AMH during pregnancy. Serum samples were drawn at 6–8 gestational time-points (first trimester to post-partum) from 25 healthy women with prior uneventful pregnancies. The total AMH and proAMH levels were measured at each time-point using ELISA. The level of circulating total AMH progressively decreased during pregnancy, in all women (p<0.001). On average, the percentage decline between the first trimester and 36–39 weeks’ gestation was 61.5%, with a standard deviation of 13.0% (range 30.4–81.2%). The percentage decline in total AMH levels associated with maternal age (R = -0.53, p = 0.024), but not with the women’s first trimester AMH level. The postpartum total AMH levels showed no consistent relationship to the woman’s first trimester values (range 31–273%). This raises the possibility that a fundamental determinant of circulating AMH levels is reset during pregnancy. The ratio of proAMH to total AMH levels exhibited little or no variation during pregnancy, indicating that the control of the cleavage/activation of AMH is distinct from the mechanisms that control the total level of AMH.

Anti-Müllerian hormone: a new actor of sexual dimorphism in pituitary gonadotrope activity before puberty

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) contributes to male sexual differentiation and acts on gonads of both sexes. Identification of AMH receptivity in both pituitary and brain has led to the intriguing idea that AMH participates to the hypothalamic-pituitary control of reproduction, however in vivo experimental evidence is still lacking. We show that AMH stimulates secretion and pituitary gene expression of the gonadotropin FSH in vivo in rats. AMH action is sex-dependent, being restricted to females and occurring before puberty. Accordingly, we report higher levels of pituitary AMH receptor transcripts in immature females. We show that AMH is functionally coupled to the Smad pathway in LβT2 gonadotrope cells and dose-dependently increases Fshb transcript levels. Furthermore, AMH was shown to establish complex interrelations with canonical FSH regulators as it cooperates with activin to induce Fshb expression whereas it reduces BMP2 action. We report that GnRH interferes with AMH by decreasing AMH receptivity in vivo in females. Moreover, AMH specifically regulates FSH and not LH, indicating that AMH is a factor contributing to the differential regulation of gonadotropins. Overall, our study uncovers a new role for AMH in regulating gonadotrope function and suggests that AMH participates in the postnatal elevation of FSH secretion in females.

Plasma Anti-Müllerian Hormone Concentrations and Risk of Breast Cancer among Premenopausal Women in the Nurses' Health Studies

BACKGROUND

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a member of the TGFβ family of growth and differentiation factors with a key role in regulating folliculogenesis. In experimental studies, using supraphysiologic concentrations, AMH inhibits breast cancer growth. However, high levels of AMH were associated with increased breast cancer risk in two prior prospective epidemiologic studies.

METHODS

We conducted a nested case-control study of premenopausal plasma AMH and breast cancer risk within the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and NHSII. In NHS, 32,826 women donated blood samples in 1989-1990; in NHSII, 29,611 women donated samples in 1996-1999. After blood collection and before February 2004 (NHS) or July 2010 (NHSII), 539 cases were diagnosed among women premenopausal at diagnosis, and were matched 1:1 to controls. ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for matching and breast cancer risk factors.

RESULTS

Higher plasma levels of AMH were associated with increased breast cancer risk (top vs. bottom quintile multivariate OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.34-3.63; P trend = 0.001). The association did not vary by invasive versus in situ disease or by estrogen receptor status. Associations were not significantly different by age at blood or diagnosis. Further adjustment for plasma estradiol or testosterone yielded similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher circulating AMH levels are associated with increased breast cancer risk among premenopausal women.

IMPACT

The significant positive association between premenopausal plasma AMH levels and subsequent breast cancer risk before menopause suggests AMH may be useful as a marker of breast cancer risk in younger women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(5); 854-60. ©2016 AACR.

Anti-Müllerian hormone and lifestyle, reproductive, and environmental factors among women in rural South Africa

BACKGROUND

Few data exist regarding anti-Müllerian hormone, a marker of ovarian reserve, in relation to environmental factors with potential ovarian toxicity.

METHODS

This analysis included 420 women from Limpopo, South Africa studied in 2010-2011. Women were administered comprehensive questionnaires, and plasma concentrations of anti-Müllerian hormone and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane were determined. We used separate multivariable models to examine the associations between natural log-transformed anti-Müllerian hormone concentration (ng/ml) and each of the lifestyle, reproductive, and environmental factors of interest, adjusted for age, body mass index, education, and parity.

RESULTS

The median age of women was 24 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 22 to 26); the median anti-Müllerian hormone concentration was 3.1 ng/ml (IQR = 2.0 to 6.0). Women who reported indoor residual spraying in homes with painted walls (indicative of exposure to pyrethroids) had 25% lower (95% confidence interval [CI] = -39%, -8%) anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations compared with women who reported no spraying. Little evidence of decreased anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations was observed among women with the highest dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane levels. Compared with women who used an electric stove, no association was observed among women who cooked indoors over open wood fires. The findings also suggested lower anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations among women who drank coffee (-19% [95% CI = -31%, -5%]) or alcohol (-21% [95% CI = -36%, -3%]).

CONCLUSIONS

These are among the first data regarding anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations relative to pesticides and indoor air pollution. Our results are suggestive of decreased ovarian reserve associated with exposure to pyrethroid pesticides, which is consistent with laboratory animal data.

Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels before Surgery in Patients with Ovarian Endometriomas Compared to Other Benign Ovarian Cysts

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate preoperative anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in women with endometrioma or other benign ovarian cysts and differences of AMH changes according to various characteristics.

METHODS

Ninety-seven patients aged 20 to 39 years who underwent surgery for benign ovarian cyst were enrolled retrospectively. Of these, 65 patients were diagnosed as endometriomas, and 32 had other benign cysts. Serum AMH, mean, maximum, and total diameter of ovarian cysts were measured. The AMH levels were compared according to pathology (endometrioma vs. other benign cyst), size of ovarian cyst, age-matched AMH quartile percentile and characteristics of endometrioma.

RESULTS

Preoperative serum AMH level was significantly lower in endometrioma group than other benign cyst group (4.12 ± 2.42 ng/mL vs. 6.02 ± 2.29 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Serum AMH level was significantly lower in endometrioma group, especially in patients aged 30 to 39 years. Dividing to age-matched AMH quartile percentile, there were significantly fewer patients with AMH level ≥ 75 percentile in endometrioma group (24.6% vs. 50.0%, P = 0.035). Among 4 subgroups of endometrioma, patients with AMH level ≥ 75 percentile were significantly decreased in multiple bilateral endometrioma group. Mean and total diameter of cysts were negatively correlated with preoperative serum AMH level in other benign cyst group.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that preoperative AMH level measurement might be considered in women with endometrioma, especially in 30 to 39 years old, multiple bilateral type, or big-sized other benign ovarian cyst to assess the diminished ovarian reserve.

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.

Anti-Mullerian hormone as a predictor of ovarian reserve in ART protocols: the hidden role of thyroid autoimmunity

BACKGROUND

Protocols of controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation (COH) require, as a crucial step, the identification of reliable predictors of ovarian reserve. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is one of the most reliable predictors of ovarian reserve but other factors including autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATD) have been associated with reduced fertility and poor COH outcome. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between ATD and AMH, and their role on the outcome of COH.

METHODS

The study group included 288 sub-fertile euthyroid women aged less than 40 years attending a single center for Reproductive Medicine. Among them, 55 were ATD-positive and 233 ATD-negative. The serum levels of AMH, FSH, LH, estradiol (E2), and TSH were measured before COH. The ratio between serum E2 concentration on the day of oocytes pick-up and the total dose of administered recombinant FSH (r-FSH) (E2/r-FSH ratio) was calculated.

RESULTS

The serum levels of AMH were significantly related to E2/r-FSH ratio, total dose of r-FSH and number of M II oocytes, both in ATD-positive and ATD-negative women. Within the low stratum of AMH levels, the presence of ATD did not further affect the outcome of COH. When the serum levels of AMH were in the high stratum, the presence of ATD significantly affected the E2/rFSH ratio, the total dose of r-FSH and the number of M II oocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

The probability of a poor response to COH is high, and independent from ATD, in women with low AMH serum levels. In women with a good ovarian reserve, as assessed by high AMH serum levels, the presence of ATD impairs the outcome of COH.

AAV9 delivering a modified human Mullerian inhibiting substance as a gene therapy in patient-derived xenografts of ovarian cancer

To improve ovarian cancer patient survival, effective treatments addressing chemoresistant recurrences are particularly needed. Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) has been shown to inhibit the growth of a stem-like population of ovarian cancer cells. We have recently engineered peptide modifications to human MIS [albumin leader Q425R MIS (LRMIS)] that increase production and potency in vitro and in vivo. To test this novel therapeutic peptide, serous malignant ascites from highly resistant recurrent ovarian cancer patients were isolated and amplified to create low-passage primary cell lines. Purified recombinant LRMIS protein successfully inhibited the growth of cancer spheroids in vitro in a panel of primary cell lines in four of six patients tested. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) -delivered gene therapy has undergone a clinical resurgence with a good safety profile and sustained gene expression. Therefore, AAV9 was used as a single i.p. injection to deliver LRMIS to test its efficacy in inhibiting growth of palpable tumors in patient-derived ovarian cancer xenografts from ascites (PDXa). AAV9-LRMIS monotherapy resulted in elevated and sustained blood concentrations of MIS, which significantly inhibited the growth of three of five lethal chemoresistant serous adenocarcinoma PDXa models without signs of measurable or overt toxicity. Finally, we tested the frequency of MIS type II receptor expression in a tissue microarray of serous ovarian tumors by immunohistochemistry and found that 88% of patients bear tumors that express the receptor. Taken together, these preclinical data suggest that AAV9-LRMIS provides a potentially well-tolerated and effective treatment strategy poised for testing in patients with chemoresistant serous ovarian cancer.

Characterization of minipuberty in infants with Prader-Willi syndrome

BACKGROUND

Minipuberty describes transient activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis occurring during the first few months of life. Hormone levels during minipuberty were described in only a few Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) infant boys and have not been reported in PWS infant girls.

OBJECTIVES

To measure gonadotropins and gonadal hormones in PWS male and female infants and assess gender-specific patterns of hormone secretion.

METHODS

Hormone levels in 14 (9 male, 5 female) PWS infants ages 1-3 months were compared with reference ranges for normal infants and in 44 prepubertal PWS children (27 female, 17 male).

RESULTS

Compared to prepubertal boys, hormone levels (median and range) for PWS infant boys were increased: LH 2.8 mIU/ml (1.2-6.2), FSH 4.4 mIU/ml (1.0-19.5), testosterone 4.0 nmol/l (3.0-7.0), inhibin B 219 pg/ml (141-325), and AMH 79 ng/ml (45-157). Hormone levels in infant girls were not significantly different from levels in prepubertal girls. LH, inhibin B, and AMH were higher in male infants than in female infants. LH/FSH ratios were 0.56 (0.24-1.77) in boys versus 0.09 (0.04-0.17) in girls (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Hormone levels in PWS infant boys are in the expected minipuberty range. By contrast, reproductive hormones in most PWS infant girls did not differ from levels in prepubertal girls.

Anti-Müllerian hormone as an indicator of hemi-castrated unilateral cryptorchid horses

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a glycoprotein secreted from the fetal testis, is responsible for regression of the Müllerian duct in the male fetus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of serum AMH as a biomarker for diagnosis of cryptorchidism in horses. Serum AMH concentrations were measured in intact stallions, hemi-castrated unilateral cryptorchid stallions, and geldings. In addition, expression of AMH was characterized in cryptorchid testes by immunohistochemistry. Serum AMH was detected in intact stallions (n=11, 13.3 ± 1.8 ng/ml) and in hemi-castrated cryptorchid stallions (n=8, 17.6 ± 3.0 ng/ml), but not in geldings (n=6, all data were below the limit of detection). Immunolabeling for AMH was detected in Sertoli cells of undescended testes from cryptorchid horses as well as those of normal testes. Our findings indicate that the cryptorchid testis after hemi-castration secretes AMH and that serum AMH concentrations may be a useful biomarker for diagnosis of equine cryptorchidism.

Serum AMH level as a marker of acute and long-term effects of chemotherapy on the ovarian follicular content: a systematic review

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a very sensitive indicator of the ovarian follicular content. Chemotherapeutic agents are notoriously ovariotoxic in that they damage follicles. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the interest of serum AMH variations in determining the acute and long-term effects of chemotherapy on the ovarian reserve. According to the PRISMA guidelines, searches were conducted on PubMed for all English language articles until December 2013. Fifteen articles that focused on dynamic variations of AMH levels before and after chemotherapy were selected. Cancer patients have significantly lower AMH after chemotherapy than age-matched controls. Longitudinal studies of AMH variations before, during and after chemotherapy provide information about the degree of follicle loss for each patient according to different chemotherapy regimens. Different patterns of AMH levels during the ovarian recovery phase make it possible to discriminate between high and low gonadotoxic chemotherapy protocols. In addition, pretreatment AMH levels are shown to predict the long-term ovarian function after the end of treatment. These results may help to better understand the ovarian toxicity mechanisms of chemotherapy and to predict the degree of the ovarian follicle loss. Therefore, it can be useful for fertility preservation strategies, fertility counseling and future family planning.

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.

Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: AMH in combination with clinical symptoms

PURPOSE

We assessed the utility of using anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and clinical features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM), oligo/amenorrhea (OA), and hyperandrogenism (HA) for diagnosing PCOS, and compared their diagnostic accuracy with those of classical diagnostic systems.

METHODS

A total of 606 females were admitted to a university hospital with menstrual irregularities or symptoms of hyperandrogenism were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Fasting blood samples were collected. Pelvic and/or abdominal ultrasonography and clinical examination were performed. Patients were evaluated for the presence of PCOS according to conventional diagnostic criteria. The diagnostic performance of using serum AMH levels alone and in various combinations with the clinical features of PCOM, OA, and HA were investigated.

RESULTS

For the diagnosis of PCOS, the combination of OA and/or HA with AMH showed 83% sensitivity and 100% specificity according to the Rotterdam criteria; 83% sensitivity and 89% specificity according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria; and 82% sensitivity and 93.5% specificity according to the Androgen Excess Society (AES) criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

The serum AMH level is a useful diagnostic marker for PCOS and is correlated with conventional diagnostic criteria. The combination of AMH level with OA and/or HA markedly increased the clinical scope for PCOS diagnosis and can be introduced as a possible objective criterion for the diagnosis of this disease.

Anti-Müllerian hormone may regulate the number of calbindin-positive neurons in the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area of male mice

Background

The male brain is putatively organised early in development by testosterone, with the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the medial preoptic area (SDN) a main exemplifier of this. However, pubescent neurogenesis occurs in the rat SDN, and the immature testes secrete anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as well as testosterone. We have therefore re-examined the development of the murine SDN to determine whether it is influenced by AMH and/or whether the number of calbindin-positive (calbindin^+ve) neurons in it changes after pre-pubescent development.

Methods

In mice, the SDN nucleus is defined by calbindin^+ve neurons (CALB-SDN). The number and size of the neurons in the CALB-SDN of male and female AMH null mutant (Amh^-/-) mice and their wild-type littermates (Amh^+/+) were studied using stereological techniques. Groups of mice were examined immediately before the onset of puberty (20 days postnatal) and at adulthood (129–147 days old).

Results

The wild-type pre-pubertal male mice had 47% more calbindin^+ve neurons in the CALB-SDN than their female wild-type littermates. This sex difference was entirely absent in Amh^-/- mice. In adults, the extent of sexual dimorphism almost doubled due to a net reduction in the number and size of calbindin^+ve neurons in females and a net increase in neuron number in males. These changes occurred to a similar extent in the Amh^-/- and Amh^+/+ mice. Consequently, the number of calbindin^+ve neurons in Amh^-/- adult male mice was intermediate between Amh^+/+ males and Amh^+/+ females. The sex difference in the size of the neurons was predominantly generated by a female-specific atrophy after 20 days, independent of AMH.

Conclusions

The establishment of dimorphic cell number in the CALB-SDN of mice is biphasic, with each phase being subject to different regulation. The second phase of dimorphism is not dependent on the first phase having occurred as it was present in the Amh^-/- male mice that have female-like numbers of calbindin^+ve neurons at 20 days. These observations extend emerging evidence that the organisation of highly dimorphic neuronal networks changes during puberty or afterwards. They also raise the possibility that cellular events attributed to the imprinting effects of testosterone are mediated by AMH.

Elderly men have low levels of anti-Müllerian hormone and inhibin B, but with high interpersonal variation: a cross-sectional study of the sertoli cell hormones in 615 community-dwelling men

The Sertoli cells of the testes secrete anti-Müllerian hormone (Müllerian inhibiting Substance, AMH) and inhibin B (InhB). AMH triggers the degeneration of the uterine precursor in male embryos, whereas InhB is part of the gonadal-pituitary axis for the regulation of sperm production in adults. However, both hormones are also putative regulators of homeostasis, and age-related changes in these hormones may therefore be important to the health status of elderly men. The levels of AMH in elderly men are unknown, with limited information being available about age-related changes in InhB. We have therefore used ELISAs to measure Sertoli cell hormone levels in 3 cohorts of community-dwelling men in New Zealand. In total, 615 men were examined, 493 of which were aged 65 or older. Serum AMH and InhB levels inversely correlated with age in men older than 50 years (p<0.001) but not in the younger men. A minority of elderly men had undetectable levels of AMH and InhB. The variation in hormone levels between similarly aged men increased with the age of men. AMH and InhB partially correlated with each other as expected (r = 0.48, p<0.001). However, the ratio of the two Sertoli hormones varied significantly between men, with this variation increasing with age. Elderly men selected for the absence of cardiovascular disease had AMH levels similar to those of young men whereas their InhB levels did not differ from aged-matched controls. These data suggests that Sertoli cell number and function changes with age, but with the extent and nature of the changes varying between men.

Anti-Mullerian-hormone levels during pregnancy and postpartum

BACKGROUND

The number of unintentionally childless couples is increasing as more couples seek to conceive for the first time in the third or fourth decade of the woman's life. Determination of ovarian reserve is an essential component of infertility assessment. The Anti-Müllerian-Hormone (AMH) seems to be the most reliable predictor of ovarian reserve. In this study we analyzed AMH in a cohort of pregnant women without fertility impairment to determine age-dependent decline and possible AMH fluctuations during pregnancy and postpartum.

METHODS

A total of 554 healthy women aged 16 to 47 years without history of infertility or previous surgery on the ovaries were enrolled in the study between 1995 and 2012. In 450 women, a single measurement of AMH was taken during pregnancy, allowing for cross sectional analysis of trimester- and age-related differences in AMH levels. For another 15 women longitudinal data on AMH levels for all trimesters was recorded. In addition, for 69 women AMH was measured at the time just before and after delivery, and for another 20 AMH was measured just before delivery and once on each of the first four days after delivery. We used AMH-Gen-II ELISA (Beckman Coulter, Immunotech, Webster, USA) for the assessment of AMH levels. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to compare AMH levels between age groups, trimesters and postpartum.

RESULTS

Comparison between the trimesters revealed a significant difference in AMH values at each trimester (first trimester: 1.69 ng/ml (IQR 0.71-3.10), second trimester: 0.8 ng/ml (IQR 0.48-1.41), third trimester: 0.5 ng/ml (IQR 0.18-1.00)). AMH significantly dropped during the course of pregnancy and immediately after delivery, whereas an increase was observed over the first four days postpartum. Women, greater than or equal to 35 years, showed significant lower AMH levels than those <35 years across all trimesters.

CONCLUSIONS

AMH levels decrease during pregnancy. The decline in AMH levels during pregnancy indicates ovarian suppression. AMH levels recover quickly after delivery. AMH levels assessed in pregnant women are not an accurate indicator of ovarian reserve, since AMH levels during pregnancy seem not to be independent of gestational age.

Mullerian inhibiting substance suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis and autophagy in endometriosis cells in vitro

Objective. To determine the effects of Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) treatment on endometriosis cells through study of apoptosis and autophagy. Design. Experimental in vitro study. Setting. University research laboratory. Cell Line. CRL-7566 endometriosis cell line. This line was established from a benign ovarian cyst taken from a patient with endometriosis. Interventions. In vitro treatment with MIS. Main Outcome Measures. The main outcome measures were cellular viability, proliferation, cell-cycle arrest, and induction of apoptosis and autophagy in endometriotic cells. Results. MIS treatment inhibited proliferation of endometriosis cells and induced apoptosis, as indicated by Annexin V staining, and induced caspase-9 cleavage and cell-cycle arrest, as evidenced by increased expression of p27 CDK-inhibitor. MIS treatment also induced autophagy in endometriosis cells as demonstrated by a significant increase in LC3-II induction, a hallmark of autophagy. Conclusions. MIS inhibits cell growth and induces autophagy, as well as apoptosis, in ectopic endometrial cell lines. Our results suggest that MIS may have a potential as a novel approach for medical treatment of endometriosis. Further studies may be needed to test the efficacy of MIS treatment in animal models and to develop MIS treatment specifically targeted to the endometriosis.

Role of baseline antral follicle count and anti-Mullerian hormone in prediction of cumulative live birth in the first in vitro fertilisation cycle: a retrospective cohort analysis

Objective

This retrospective study determined for the first time the role of baseline antral follicle count (AFC) and serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level in the first in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle in predicting cumulative live birth from one stimulation cycle.

Methods

We studied 1,156 women (median age 35 years) undergoing the first IVF cycle. Baseline AFC and AMH level on the day before ovarian stimulation were analysed. The main outcome measure was cumulative live birth in the fresh plus all the frozen embryo transfers after the same stimulation cycle.

Results

Serum AMH was significantly correlated with AFC. Both AMH and AFC showed significant correlation with age and ovarian response in the stimulated cycle and total number of transferrable embryos. Baseline AFC and serum AMH were significantly higher in subjects attaining a live birth than those who did not in the fresh stimulated cycle, as well as those attaining cumulative live birth. There was a significant trend of higher cumulative live birth rate in women with higher AMH or AFC. However, logistic regression revealed that both AMH and AFC were not significant predictors of cumulative live birth after adjusting for age and number of embryos available for transfer. Considering only one single predictor, the areas under the ROC curves for AMH (0.646, 95% CI 0.616–0.675) and age (0.648, 95% CI 0.618–0.677) were slightly higher than that for AFC (0.617, 95% CI 0.587–0.647) in predicting cumulative live birth. However, a model combining AMH (with or without AFC) and age of the women only classified an addition of less than 2% of subjects correctly compared to the model with age alone.

Conclusion

Baseline AFC and serum AMH have only modest predictive performance on the occurrence of cumulative live birth, and may not give additional value on top of the women's age.

Disorders of sexual differentiation: I. Genetics and pathology

Objectives

To provide a summary of the recent major advances in the field of molecular genetics and understanding of psychosexual development, as these developments have resulted in changes in terminology and classification of disorders of sexual differentiation (DSD)/intersex; and to provide a quick and simplified review of the basic information.

Methods

Recent publications (over the last 10 years) were identified by a PubMed search, as were relevant previous studies, using the keywords; ‘sex chromosomes’, ‘psychosexual development’, ‘classifications’, ‘disorders of sexual differentiation’, ‘Chicago consensus’, ‘gonadal malignancy’, ‘intersex’ and ‘ambiguous genitalia’.

Results

The newly proposed terminology and classification has eliminated some confusion for both patient and family, as well as among health professionals. The new advances have facilitated the categorisation of gonadal malignancy in patients with DSD into high-, intermediate- and low-risk groups.

Conclusions

The major changes in terminology and classification of DSD should be considered as the first steps on a long road of research effort. The current available data remain far from sufficient. More molecular genetics studies will allow a better understanding of the causes of each condition of DSD.

Anti-müllerian hormone and its clinical use in pediatrics with special emphasis on disorders of sex development

Using measurements of circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in diagnosing and managing reproductive disorders in pediatric patients requires thorough knowledge on normative values according to age and gender. We provide age- and sex-specific reference ranges for the Immunotech assay and conversion factors for the DSL and Generation II assays. With this tool in hand, the pediatrician can use serum concentrations of AMH when determining the presence of testicular tissue in patients with bilaterally absent testes or more severe Disorders of Sex Development (DSD). Furthermore, AMH can be used as a marker of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in both Turner Syndrome patients and in girls with cancer after treatment with alkylating gonadotoxic agents. Lastly, its usefulness has been proposed in the diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and ovarian granulosa cell tumors and in the evaluation of patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Sertoli cell only syndrome: Status of sertoli cell maturation and function

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Mature and functional Sertoli cells are essential for the survival of germ cells in testes. In Sertoli cell only syndrome (SCOS), there is no germ cells. Then, question arises whether absence of germ cells in SCOS secondary to Sertoli cells immaturity or mal function. Sertoli cells maturational and functional status is unclear in SCOS. This study investigated status of maturation and function of Sertoli cells in patients with SCOS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study was comprised of 37 cases of SCOS and 50 normal control males. Detailed clinical examination and investigation were carried out as per pre-determined proforma. Semen analysis, hormonal analysis (FSH, LH, testosterone, etc.), and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of testes (bilateral) were performed. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with XY probes was carried out in addition to conventional chromosome analysis to find out chromosomal abnormalities, in particular sex chromosome aneuploidy, including mosaicism. Yq microdeletion status was also investigated. The anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B, and seminal lactate were estimated by ELISA methods.

RESULTS

The study did not find any case of high AMH. About 78% cases had low inhibin B, and 60% had low AMH. FSH was high in about 78% cases. Low level of lactate was found in 49% cases. There was one case of high level of inhibin B. There were 6 (16.2%) cases of chromosomal abnormality (2 mosaic Klinefelter and 4 Klinefelter syndrome) and 4 (10.8%) cases of Yq microdeletion.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that Sertoli cell immaturity does not play any role in SCOS (no case of high AMH). It seems, in majority cases, Sertoli cells are functionally- and/or numerically-deficient (low inhibin B, AMH and lactate). However, in about 22% cases, Sertoli cell function and/or number remains normal (normal inhibin B, AMH). Inhibin B and FSH seems best predictor/marker of Sertoli cell function.

Anti-mullerian hormone cut-off values for predicting poor ovarian response to exogenous ovarian stimulation in in-vitro fertilization

OBJECTIVES:

(a) To establish the cut-off levels for anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in a population of Indian women that would determine poor response. (b) To determine which among the three ie.,: age, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), or AMH, is the better determinant of ovarian reserve.

STUDY DESIGN:

Prospective observational study.

SETTING:

In vitro fertilization (IVF) unit of a tertiary hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The inclusion criterion was all women who presented to the center for in-vitro fertilization/Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI). The exclusion criteria were age >45 years, major medical illnesses precluding IVF or pregnancy, FSH more than 20 IU/L, and failure to obtain consent. The interventions including baseline pelvic scan, day 2/3 FSH, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol estimations, and AMH measurement on any random day of cycle were done. Subjects underwent IVF according to long agonist or antagonist protocol regimen. Oocyte recovery was correlated with studied variables. The primary outcome measure was the number of oocytes aspirated (OCR). Three categories of ovarian response were defined: poor response, OCR ≤ 3; average response, OCR between 4 and 15; hyperresponse, OCR > 15.

RESULTS:

Of the 198 patients enrolled, poor, average, and hyperresponse were observed in 23%, 63%, and 14% respectively. Correlation coefficient for AMH with ovarian response was r = 0.591. Area under the curve (AUCs) for poor response for AMH, subject's age, and FSH were 0.768, 0.624, and 0.635, respectively. The discriminatory level of AMH for prediction of absolute poor response was 2 pmoL/l, with 98% specificity and 20% sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS:

AMH fares better than age and FSH in predicting the overall ovarian response and poor response, though it cannot be the absolute predictor of non-responder status. A level of 2 pmol/l is discriminatory for poor response.

Correlation between three assay systems for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) determination

Purpose

Analysis of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is becoming of recognized importance in reproductive medicine, but assays are not standardized. We have evaluated the correlation between the new Gen II ELISA kit (Beckman-Coutler) and the older ELISA kits by Immunotech (IOT) and Diagnostic Systems Laboratories (DSL).

Methods

A total of 56 archived serum samples from patients with subfertility or reproductive endocrine disorders were retrieved and assayed in duplicate using the three AMH ELISA kits . The samples covered a wide range of AMH concentrations (1.9 to 142.5 pmol/L).

Results

We observed good correlations between the new (AMH Gen II) and old AMH assay kits by IOT and DSL (R² = 0.971 and 0.930 respectively). The regression equations were AMH (Gen II) = 1.353 × AMH (IOT) + 0.051 and AMH (Gen II) = 1.223 × AMH (DSL) – 1.270 respectively.

Conclusions

AMH concentrations using the Gen II kit are slightly higher than those from the IOT and DSL kits. Standardization of assay results worldwide is urgently required but this analysis facilitates the interpretation of values obtained historically and in future studies using any of the 3 assays available. Meanwhile, adapting clinical cut-offs from previously published work by direct conversion is not recommended.

The Müllerian inhibiting substance type 2 receptor suppresses tumorigenesis in testes with sustained β-catenin signaling

Dysregulated WNT/β-catenin signaling in murine testes results in a phenotype with complete germ cell loss that resembles human Sertoli cell-only syndrome. In other systems, including the ovary, dysregulated WNT/β-catenin induces tumorigenesis but no tumors are observed in the mutant testes without deletion of a tumor suppressor, such as phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS, also known as AMH), a member of the transforming growth factor-β family of growth factors responsible for Müllerian duct regression in fetal males, has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in vitro and in vivo but its role as an endogenous tumor suppressor has never been reported. We have deleted the MIS type 2 receptor (MISR2), and thus MIS signaling, in mice with dysregulated WNT/β-catenin and show that these mice develop testicular stromal tumors with 100% penetrance within a few months postnatal. The tumors are highly proliferative and have characteristics of either Sertoli cell tumors or progenitor Leydig cell tumors based on their marker profiles and histology. Phosphorylated Sma and mothers against decapentaplegic-related homolog 1/5/8 is absent in the tumors and β-catenin target genes are induced. The tumor suppressor TP53 is also highly expressed in the tumors, as is phosphorylated γH2AX, which is indicative of DNA damage. The phenotype of these tumors closely resembles those observed when PTEN is also deleted in mice with dysregulated WNT/β-catenin. Tumorigenesis in these mice provides conclusive evidence that physiological MIS signaling is a tumor suppressor mechanism and suggests that targeted treatment of MISR2-expressing cancers with therapeutic MIS should have a beneficial effect on tumor progression.

Evaluation of ovarian reserve in infertile patients

Diminished ovarian reserve is a more common occurrence as more women postpone childbearing in modern societies due to social and demographic trends. Diminished ovarian reserve is one of the primary reasons for poor ART outcome. Due to high costs, side effects and heavy burden on patients on ART treatments, patient selection and counseling for prognosis is an important aspect before starting ART. Proper prediction of ovarian reserve before initiation of the treatment can decrease cycle cancellations, help clinicians to establish alternative treatment options (i.e.oocyte donation) for poor prognosis patients. However, indicators of ovarian reserve are not fully successful in predicting the outcome of the treatment. In this review, our aim was to discuss the efficacy of ovarian reserve tests on predicting poor ovarian response and treatment outcome in ART patients.

Inhibin B and anti-Müllerian hormone/Müllerian-inhibiting substance may contribute to the male bias in autism

The autistic spectrum disorders have a significant male bias in incidence, which is unexplained. The Sertoli cells of the immature testes secrete supra-adult levels of Müllerian-inhibiting substance/anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B (InhB), with both hormones being putative regulators of brain development. We report here, that 82 boys with an autism spectrum disorder have normal levels of InhB and AMH. However, the boys' level of InhB correlated with their autism diagnostic interview-revised (ADI-R) scores for the social interaction (R=0.29, P=0.009, N=82) and communication domains (R=0.29, P=0.022, N=63), and with the number of autistic traits the boys exhibited (R=0.34 and 0.27, respectively). The strengths of the abovementioned correlates were stronger in the boys with milder autism (R=0.42 and 0.50, respectively), with AMH exhibiting a significant negative correlation to the ADI-R score in these boys (R=-0.44 and R=-0.39, respectively). Neither hormone correlated to the incidence of stereotyped and repetitive behaviours. This suggests that the male bias in the autistic spectrum has multiple determinants, which modulate the effects of an otherwise non-dimorphic pathology. Furthermore, AMH and InhB have opposing effects on the SMAD1/5/8 pathway, and opposing correlates to autistic traits, implicating the SMAD pathways as a putative point of molecular convergence for the autistic spectrum.

Quantification of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in dried blood spots: validation of a minimally invasive method for assessing ovarian reserve

BACKGROUND

Biological markers of ovarian reserve have the potential to advance research on fecundability, infertility and reproductive aging. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has emerged as a clinically useful measure of ovarian reserve, but the requirement for venous blood is an obstacle to application in non-clinical settings. This paper validates a new method for quantifying AMH in dried blood spot (DBS) samples--drops of whole blood collected on filter paper following a simple finger stick.

METHODS

Matched serum and DBS samples were obtained from n=101 women of reproductive age, and AMH values were compared using regression analyses and scatter plots. The precision, reliability, linearity, recovery and lower detection limit of the DBS assay were evaluated, as well as the stability of AMH in DBS across a range of storage conditions.

RESULTS

There was a strong agreement between AMH concentrations measured in DBS and serum samples across the entire assay range. Analysis of within-assay (percent coefficient of variation, 4.7-6.5%) and between-assay (3.5-7.2%) variability indicated a high level of assay precision and reliability, respectively. The minimum detectable dose of AMH was 0.065 ng/ml. Concentrations of AMH remained stable in DBS samples stored for 2 weeks at room temperature, and for 4 weeks when refrigerated.

CONCLUSIONS

The DBS assay performs at a level that is comparable to serum-based methods, with the advantage of lower burdens and costs associated with blood collection that may be advantageous for research in clinical as well as non-clinical settings on the causes and consequences of variation in ovarian reserve.