Expression Of HB-EGF In The Human Follicles From The Patients Who Were Treated With In-vitro Fertilization-embryo Transfer(IVF-ET)

ObjectHeparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is the remember of the epidermal growth factor(EGF).Precursor of HB-EGF is synthesized in the cells,that is proHB-EGF. ProHB-EGF is sheared on the cellular membrane by a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) to procure solvable HB-EGF(sHB-EGF).The sHB-EGF is the mitogen of many cells.It can inhibit apoptosis of cells. Granulosa cell can support and nourish the oocyte.The apoptosis of granulosa cell can induce]atresia of follicles. There is spontaneous apoptosis of granulosa cell during IVF-ET.The apoptosis of granulosa cell effect the outcome of pregnancy.To investigate expression of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and apoptosis of granulosa cell(GC) in the human follicles from the patients who were treated with in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET).MethodsHuman follicle were collected from 13 patients who were treated with in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET) for infertility. To separate the follicular fluid and the granulosa cells. Then the HB-EGF protein were studied by ELISA and the apoptosis of granulosa cells were studied by TUNEL.Then compare the correlation of concentration of HB-EGF and apoptosis of granulosa cell from different follicle fluid.ResultsThe expression of HB-EGF is positive in the follicular fluid. From the same patient, the expression pattern of HB-EGF in the small follicles are higher than in the big follicles (P<0.05).From the same patient,the concentration of HB-EGF in the big and small follicular fluid was positive correlated(P<0.05 r=0.9355). ConclusionsThe expression of HB-EGF is positive in the follicular fluid; HB-EGF may play an important role in the development of the follicular fluid.