A single nucleotide polymorphism in BMP15 is associated with high response to ovarian stimulation

There is substantial variability in ovarian response to exogenous gonadotrophins in women undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF. Genetic variation in signalling pathways of the ovary may influence ovarian stimulation outcome. One previous study showed an association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the gene for bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This article presents a retrospective case-controlled genetic-association study designed to test the association between SNP in the BMP15 gene and two clinically important outcomes of ovarian stimulation: low and high response. Blood samples from 53 high responders, 38 low responders and 100 controls were analysed for five SNP of interest. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated by a multivariate logistic regression model. We found an association between the BMP15 -9G allele and high response to ovarian stimulation (OR=2.7, 95% CI=1.3-5.7). This association confirms previous findings in a different population and strengthens the case for an association between this SNP and ovarian stimulation outcome.