Implications of Blood Type for Ovarian Reserve and Infertility – Impact on Oocyte Yield in IVF Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) has been linked to certain subpopulations and distinct gene polymorphisms. It has even been hypothesized that the AB0 blood group system could be linked to ovarian reserve (OR) as reflected by early follicular phase follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Although estimation of OR is routinely done using levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), FSH, estradiol or inhibin B, the diagnostic accuracy of these markers is often limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is any correlation between IVF patientsʼ AB0 blood group system and ART outcome. Methods: In this retrospective observational single-center study we investigated the outcome of 1889 IVF cycles carried out between 2005 and 2012 with regard to blood type and OR in different age groups (21–36 years and 37–43 years). The number of cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) and metaphase II oocytes obtained after ovarian stimulation, fertilization rate (FR), pregnancy rate (PR) and birth rate (BR) were evaluated with respect to maternal age (21–36 and 37–43 years, respectively). Results: We found no significant differences in the average number of COCs after ovum pick-up in either of the age groups. Moreover, the mean number of MII oocytes and 2PN stages were similar for all blood type groups. As regards IVF outcome measured in terms of PR and BR, no significant differences were observed between the different blood groups. In conclusion, no correlation was found between blood type and female fertility. Discussion: The most precise definition of OR is determining the number of competent oocytes. Based on the finding of our study, the hypothesis that there is a correlation between OR and AB0 blood group system can be dismissed for Caucasian IVF patients.

Zusammenfassung

Einleitung: Diverse genetische Polymorphismen oder bestimmte Subpopulationen sind bisher mit einer verminderten ovariellen Reserve (OR) in Verbindung gebracht worden. Auch ein Zusammenhang zwischen ovarieller Reserve und Blutgruppenzugehörigkeit wurde postuliert. Obwohl die OR routinemäßig entweder über die Anti-Müller-Hormon-(AMH-)Serumkonzentration oder die Konzentration des follikelstimulierenden Hormons (FSH), des Östradiols oder über Inhibin B bestimmt wird, ist die diagnostische Aussagekraft dieser prognostischen Marker limitiert. Ziel dieser Studie war es, herauszufinden, ob eine mögliche Korrelation zwischen den Blutgruppenmerkmalen (AB0-System) und dem ART-Outcome bei IVF-Patientinnen besteht und ob damit Rückschlüsse auf die OR zu ziehen sind. Methoden: In einer retrospektiven Single-Center-Observationsstudie wurden zwischen den Jahren 2005 und 2012 insgesamt 1889 IVF-Zyklen ausgewertet und deren Ergebnis in Hinblick auf Blutgruppenzugehörigkeit und OR in unterschiedlichen Altersgruppen (21–36 Jahre bzw. 37–43 Jahre) analysiert. Die Anzahl der nach der ovariellen Stimulation erhaltenen Kumulus-Oozyten-Komplexe (KOK) und Metaphase-II-Oozyten, sowie die Fertilisierungs-, Schwangerschafts- und Geburtenrate wurden im Hinblick auf das Alter der Patientinnen (21–36 bzw. 37–43 Jahre) evaluiert. Ergebnisse: In beiden analysierten Altersgruppen wurden keine signifikanten Unterschiede hinsichtlich der durchschnittlichen nach der Punktion erhaltenen KOK festgestellt. Darüber hinaus waren die mittlere Anzahl der MII-Oozyten und nach der Fertilisierung erhaltenen 2PN-Stadien in allen Blutgruppen gleich. Auch konnten keine wesentlichen Unterschiede in den Schwangerschafts- und den Geburtenraten zwischen den verschiedenen Blutgruppen in beiden Alterskollektiven festgestellt werden. Es konnte keine Korrelation zwischen Blutgruppenzugehörigkeit und weiblicher Fertilität beobachtet werden. Diskussion: Die präziseste Methode zur Festlegung der OR ist die Bestimmung der Anzahl kompetenter Oozyten im IVF-Zyklus. Nach unseren Ergebnissen kann die Hypothese einer Korrelation zwischen OR und dem AB0-Blutgruppensystem verworfen werden.

Key words

reproductive medicine - ISCI - IVF - hormones

Schlüsselwörter

Reproduktionsmedizin - ISCI - IVF - Hormone

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