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Estrogens are known to selectively influence cell proliferation. Physiological variations of blood hormone concentration might play a role in regulating the level of X chromosome aneuploidy. In this study we observed the percentages of X aneuploid cells in standard lymphocyte cultures from blood samples obtained in relation to the menstrual cycle, noting whether collection occurred during either the follicular or the luteal phase.A study consisting of 28 women with X mosaicism and recurrent pregnancy loss, and 28 age-matched healthy controls. Cytogenetic studies were carried out on peripheral blood samples according to standard procedures.A significant difference in the percentage of X aneuploidy was found in blood samples obtained during different phases of the menstrual cycle. In the case group, the mean value of aneuploid cells in the follicular and luteal phase samples was 10.0 and 6.3 % respectively and in the control group, it was 2.8 and 1.0 % (P 0.0001). The difference in the case group varied between 0 and 8 % (3.6 ± 2.1 %) and in the control group between 0 and 4 % (1.7 ± 1.1 %). The specificity for detecting true X mosaicism was 0.875. We estimate that the initial diagnosis of X mosaicism could be correct in 68 % of patients with recurrent pregnancy loss.This observational study establishes that the time of blood sampling in relation to the menstrual cycle can influence lymphocyte X chromosome mosaicism. The results, further proven by additional controlled studies, would have practical implications for genetic counselling and fertility treatment.

Purpose :Women with ultrasonic evidence of polycystic ovaries are at higher risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). We focused on investigating a possible association of the (TTTTA) n microsatellite polymorphism in the promoter of the CYP11A gene with OHSS during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Methods :We evaluated 58 patients at high risk of OHSS (study group) and 58 control patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Results :The difference in the allele distribution between both groups of patients was not statistically significant. The genotype distribution of 4+ (with at least one copy of the four-repeat-unit allele) and 4− (without the four-repeat-unit allele) genotypes was identical in the two groups. Conclusion :An association between the (TTTTA) n microsatellite polymorphism in the promoter of the CYP11A gene and the pathogenesis of OHSS could not be confirmed.

Purpose: Our purpose was to find the differences in granulosa—luteal cells obtained from gonadotropin- versus gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist/gonadotropintreated follicles in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles. Methods: Granulosa-luteal cells were obtained from 45 follicles of women undergoing IVF-ET with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist and human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) and from 45 follicles of women with hMG IVF-ET cycles. Subpopulations of granulosa-lut eal cells were observed by computerized image analysis in which human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was localized using immunoperoxidase staining. Results: The luteinized granulosa-luteal cells from hMGtreated follicles were larger than those from GnRH agonist/ hMG-treated follicles. The hMG-treated follicles contained more hCG-stained cells, particularly those with cytoplasmic hCG localization. Conclusions: We found differences in morphometric characteristics and hCG localization in granulosa-lut eal cells obtained from hMG- versus GnRH agonist/hMG-treated follicles. We presume that the results indicate the influence and importance of luteal-phase support on the clinical pregnancy rate in GnRH agonist/hMG-treated IVF-ET cycles.

To observe the granulosa-luteal cell subpopulations presented within follicular aspirates concerning duration of the follicular phase and the type of IVF protocol.Cells were obtained from dominant follicles of 40 women with natural IVF-ET cycles, in which preovulatory hCG was given when the follicle was mature, and from 40 follicles of 32 women with hMG and hCG stimulated IVF-ET cycles. Granulosa-luteal cell subpopulations were observed by computerized image analysis in which hCG was localized using immunoperoxidase staining.(1) The nonluteinized granulosa cells from natural developing follicles were larger than those from stimulated ones regardless of the follicular phase duration. (2) The size of each luteinized cell subpopulations was influenced neither by the two IVF protocols nor by the follicular phase duration. (3) The hCG stained cells from natural developing follicles were larger than the ones from stimulated follicles and their relative number in aspirates was higher. Cell areas and distribution were not influenced by the duration of follicular phase. (4) In stimulated conditions, hCG stained cells became larger if follicular phase was longer.Duration of the follicular phase influences the immunocytochemical hCG localization and the morphometric characteristics of granulosa-luteal cell subpopulations presented within natural developing follicles and stimulated ones.