New candidate genes to predict pregnancy outcome in single embryo transfer cycles when using cumulus cell gene expression

Objective: To relate the gene expression in cumulus cells surrounding an oocyte to the potential of the oocyte, as evaluated by the
embryo morphology (days 3 and 5) and pregnancy obtained in single-embryo transfer cycles.
Design: Retrospective analysis of individual human cumulus complexes using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for 11
genes.
Setting: University hospital IVF center.
Patient(s): Thirty-three intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients, of which 16 were pregnant (4 biochemical and 12 live birth).
Intervention(s): Gene expression analysis in human cumulus complexes collected individually at pickup, allowing a correlation with
the outcome of the corresponding oocyte. Multiparametric models were built for embryo morphology parameters and pregnancy
prediction to find the most predictive genes.
Main Outcome Measure(s): Gene expression profile of 99 cumulus complexes for 11 genes.
Result(s): For embryo morphology prediction, TRPM7, ITPKA, STC2, CYP11A1, and HSD3B1 were often retained as informative.
Models for pregnancy--biochemical or live birth--complemented or not with patient and cycle characteristics, always retained
EFNB2 and CAMK1D together with STC1 or STC2. Positive and negative predictive values of the live birth models were >85%.
Conclusion(s): EFNB2 and CAMK1D are promising genes that could help to choose the embryo to transfer with the highest chance of
a pregnancy. (Fertil Steril 2012;-:---. 2012 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)
Key Words: Human cumulus cell, gene expression, oocyte quality, pregnancy, live birth