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Updated: May 13, 2026
07:42
Imaging of Estrogen Receptor-α in Rat Pial Arterioles using a Digital Immunofluorescent Microscope
Published on: November 29, 2011
Do estrogen receptor alpha polymorphisms have any impact on the outcome in an ART program?
Elli Anagnostou1, Fotodotis Malamas, Despina Mavrogianni
1Division of Human Reproduction, IVF Unit, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, Athens University Medical School, 80 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, 11528, Athens, Greece.
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
|March 16, 2013
Summary
Estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) gene polymorphisms, specifically PvuII and XbaI, impact outcomes in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Certain combinations are linked to lower estrogen levels and fewer good-quality embryos in IVF/ICSI treatments.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
Background:
- Estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) plays a crucial role in female reproduction.
- Polymorphisms in the ESR1 gene have been studied for their potential influence on reproductive outcomes.
- Investigating combined ESR1 polymorphisms offers deeper insights into ART success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the combined impact of two common ESR1 polymorphisms (PvuII and XbaI) on assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes.
- To determine if specific genotypes of ESR1 influence ovarian response and embryo quality in women undergoing IVF/ICSI.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of 203 women undergoing IVF/ICSI for ESR1 PvuII and XbaI polymorphisms using Real-Time PCR.
- Analysis of the relationship between polymorphic alleles and ovulation induction parameters and ART outcomes.
- Grouping participants based on the number of polymorphic alleles (0-2 vs. 3-4).
Main Results:
- The presence of three or more polymorphic alleles in ESR1 was significantly associated with lower estradiol (E2) levels on the day of hCG administration.
- Women with three or more polymorphic alleles exhibited a significantly lower rate of good-quality embryos.
- These findings suggest a correlation between specific ESR1 genotypes and key ART indicators.
Conclusions:
- ESR1 polymorphisms are associated with specific ART parameters, including E2 levels and embryo quality.
- ESR1 is identified as a potential candidate gene for predicting ovarian response in IVF/ICSI protocols.
- Further research involving multiple genes is recommended for comprehensive patient evaluation prior to ART programs.
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