Effect of anti-mullerian hormone on stem cell factor in serum, follicular fluid and ovarian granular cells of polycystic ovarian syndrome patients.

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder in gynecological practice. Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and ovarian granular stem cell factor (SCF) participate in the occurrence and progression of PCOS. This study aimed to investigate the expression of AMH and SCF in PCOS patients and attempt to analyze the effect of AMH on SCF.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Both PCOS and non-PCOS patients who received in vitro fertilization (IVF) in our hospital were recruited for measuring AMH and SCF levels in serum, ovarian follicular fluid and granular cells by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Real-time PCR were employed to quantify mRNA and protein levels of SCF in ovarian granular cells after treatment using different dosages of AMH.

RESULTS: AMH levels in serum, follicular fluid and granular cells in PCOS patients were significantly elevated, whilst SCF level was significantly decreased (p<0.05 in both cases). Therefore, there was a negative correlation between AMH and SCF level (p<0.05). In 5 ng/ml, 10 ng/ml and 15 ng/ml group, SCF protein positive rate was gradually decreased and was significantly lower compared to that of blank control (p<0.05). After treatment using AMH for 12, 24 and 48 h, SCF mRNA expression in the granular cell was significantly decreased (p<0.05). With higher dosage, SCF mRNA was gradually down-regulated in granular cells (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: High level of AMH and low level of SCF existed in serum, follicular fluid, and granular cells in PCOS patients. AMH exhibited negative regulatory effects on SCF.