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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research

COMT polymorphism influences decrease of ovarian follicles and emerges as a predictive factor for premature ovarian insufficiency

Authors: Emerson Barchi Cordts, Monise Castro Santos, Carla Peluso, Erika Azuma Kayaki, Bianca Bianco, Caio Parente Barbosa, Denise Maria Christofolini

Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

Estrogens are important factors in the female reproductive functions and are processed by a number of enzymes along their metabolic pathway. The COMT gene constitutes a crucial element in estrogen metabolism and is assumed to be involved in the development of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). This study aimed to determine whether the presence of the COMT Val/Met polymorphism (rs4680) is associated to the risk of developing POI.

Findings

In this case–control study, we evaluated 96 infertile women with POI and 120 fertile women as controls, after obtaining a detailed history of the disease and follicle-stimulating hormone measurements, besides karyotype determination and fragile-X premutation syndrome investigation. COMT (Val/Met) genotypes were identified by real time PCR (genotyping TaqMan assay), and the results were statistically analyzed. A statistically significant difference was found in the distribution of COMT genotypes (p = 0.003) and alleles (p = 0.015) between the POI patients and the control group.

Conclusion

We were able to demonstrate a strong association between the COMT Val/Met polymorphism and the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency in the Brazilian women evaluated. However, further studies in larger populations are necessary to confirm these findings.

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Title: COMT polymorphism influences decrease of ovarian follicles and emerges as a predictive factor for premature ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Emerson Barchi Cordts
Monise Castro Santos
Carla Peluso
Erika Azuma Kayaki
Bianca Bianco
Caio Parente Barbosa
Denise Maria Christofolini
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1757-2215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-2215-7-47

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

COMT polymorphism influences decrease of ovarian follicles and emerges as a predictive factor for premature ovarian insufficiency

Abstract

Background

Findings

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Findings

Conclusion

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