Correlation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase single nucleotide polymorphisms with in vitro fertilisation...

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Reproductive Medicine
• Molecular Biology and Assisted Reproduction

Background:

• In vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates can be influenced by various factors, including genetic predispositions.
• The human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene plays a role in cell proliferation and aging, potentially impacting reproductive outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the hTERT gene and the number and quality of embryos in women undergoing IVF.
• To determine if hTERT SNPs can serve as predictive markers for IVF success.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of 997 Han Chinese women undergoing IVF using TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR.
• Analysis of specific hTERT SNPs (rs2075786, rs2853677, rs2853691) and their correlation with IVF outcomes such as oocyte retrieval, embryo quality, and quantity.

Main Results:

• The CC genotype of rs2075786 was linked to a lower number of good-quality embryos.
• The TT genotype of rs2853677 was associated with fewer oocytes retrieved, mature oocytes, and available embryos.
• In women aged ≤35 years, AA/AG genotypes of rs2853691 correlated with a higher number of good-quality embryos, and the TTTG haplotype (rs2853672/rs2853669/rs2735940/rs2736108) was linked to more than three good-quality embryos.

Conclusions:

• Specific hTERT SNPs are associated with key outcomes in IVF.
• These findings suggest that hTERT SNPs could potentially be used as biomarkers to predict IVF success rates.