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01-05-2018 | Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine

Tight interplay in early pregnancy between follistatin and anti-mullerian hormone in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Authors: Angela Köninger, Antje Kampmeier, Pawel Mach, Boerge Schmidt, Thomas Strowitzki, Rainer Kimmig, Alexandra Gellhaus

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 5/2018

Abstract

Purpose

Follistatin levels increase during the course of pregnancy and may play a role in ovarian arrest, reflected by the simultaneous decrease of anti-mullerian-hormone (AMH) levels. The aim of the study was to investigate AMH and follistatin levels during the hormonal window at the beginning of pregnancy. Since both parameters are described as deregulated in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), subgroup analysis of PCOS patients may additionally elucidate their interplay and effects on ovarian activity.

Methods

Serum samples were retrospectively analyzed using the AMH Gen II ELISA and the Human Follistatin Quantikine ELISA Kit. Samples were collected longitudinally from 57 patients (32 with PCOS and 25 controls) before conception and during the first trimester. In 18 patients, measurements from the early and the late first trimester were available. Potential associations of AMH and follistatin levels with PCOS-related parameters were compared between the subgroups as well as longitudinally before and in the first trimester of pregnancy. For statistical analysis, the Spearman’s correlation, Wilcoxon test, t test, Friedman test and multiple linear regression analysis was performed.

Results

In contrast to AMH, follistatin levels differed not between controls and PCOS patients before and in pregnancy. In both subgroups, AMH levels significantly decreased and follistatin levels significantly increased in longitudinally performed measurements before conceiving and in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Conclusion

Follistatin levels are not suited as a biomarker for PCOS, but could be involved in suppressing ovarian activity, as reflected by AMH levels at the beginning of pregnancy.

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Title: Tight interplay in early pregnancy between follistatin and anti-mullerian hormone in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Authors: Angela Köninger
Antje Kampmeier
Pawel Mach
Boerge Schmidt
Thomas Strowitzki
Rainer Kimmig
Alexandra Gellhaus
Publication date: 01-05-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 5/2018
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-018-4718-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Tight interplay in early pregnancy between follistatin and anti-mullerian hormone in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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