The correlation between cumulus oophorous cells and their gene expression with human embryo potential serves as a prognostic non-invasive indicator for ICSI success

Iwes, Mahmoud Souliman; Abdellah, Ahmed Esmat; Ahmed, Ahmed Talat Galal; Abdellah, Ahmed Hashem; Mahmoud, Abeer Madkour

doi:10.21608/svuijm.2025.435207.2306

The correlation between cumulus oophorous cells and their gene expression with human embryo potential serves as a prognostic non-invasive indicator for ICSI success

Document Type : Original research articles

Authors

¹ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Qena University, Qena, Egypt.

² Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Qena University, Qena, Egypt.

³ Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.

10.21608/svuijm.2025.435207.2306

Abstract

Background: Cumulus cells (CCs) are not only solid structural cells that surround the oocyte, but also CCs play a major role in the differentiation and maturity of the oocyte. The gene expression profile of CCs reflects the actual activity of these cells.
Objectives: This study aimed to correlate the expression level of specific genes produced by CCs with pregnancy incidence in patients undergoing Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). The selected genes were chosen for their roles: G6DP in glucose metabolism, BCL2 in regulating apoptosis, and GREM1 and HAS2 in CCs expansion.
Patients and methods: Oocytes were collected from fifty patients who underwent ICSI. The G6DP, BCL2, HAS2, and GREM1 gene expression levels were assessed in CCs from the denuded oocytes. Embryo development was monitored, and ICSI results were correlated with the expression level of the previously mentioned genes.
Results: All genes (BCL2, HAS2, and GREM1), except for G6DP, showed significant expression levels in pregnant women with successful ICSI compared to those with failed ICSI: HAS2 (P = 0.015), GREMLIN (P = 0.008), and BCL2 (P = 0.035). However, the grade and quality of grade I embryos did not differ significantly (P = 0.081).
Conclusion: Gene expression analysis of HAS2, GREMLIN, and BCL2 in CCs can be used as a prognostic non-invasive indicator of ICSI success.

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