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Introduction:Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a rare but serious condition that reduces the chances of successful conception in women undergoing infertility treatment using in vitro fertilization (IVF). Despite the significance of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating reproductive function, their role in the pathogenesis of EFS remains underexplored.Objective:The aim of this study was to identify and analyze epigenetic markers associated with the development of EFS and to assess their prognostic significance.Materialsand Methods:A prospective observational study was conducted involving reproductive-age women (18-41 years) with a history of EFS undergoing IVF. The evaluation of epigenetic markers included DNA methylation analysis (bisulfite sequencing methods), microRNA expression (RT-qPCR), and histone modifications (ChIP-sequencing). Data were statistically processed using SPSS software, including Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test, correlation analysis, and ROC analysis for the development of a prognostic model.Results:Women with EFS showed higher levels of methylation in the FSHR, LHR, and AMH genes, as well as reduced levels of microRNA expression of miR-126 and miR-145. In contrast, there was an increase in the expression of miR-155 and miR-21, as well as a decrease in acetylation of histones H3K9ac and H4K16ac. Correlation analysis revealed negative associations between FSHR methylation and AMH levels, as well as positive associations between miR-126/miR-145 expression and IVF success. The developed multifactorial prognostic model for EFS risk demonstrated high accuracy (AUC = 0.89)

  • Read count 25
  • Date of publication 05-01-2025
  • Main LanguageIngliz
  • Pages168-180
English

Introduction:Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a rare but serious condition that reduces the chances of successful conception in women undergoing infertility treatment using in vitro fertilization (IVF). Despite the significance of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating reproductive function, their role in the pathogenesis of EFS remains underexplored.Objective:The aim of this study was to identify and analyze epigenetic markers associated with the development of EFS and to assess their prognostic significance.Materialsand Methods:A prospective observational study was conducted involving reproductive-age women (18-41 years) with a history of EFS undergoing IVF. The evaluation of epigenetic markers included DNA methylation analysis (bisulfite sequencing methods), microRNA expression (RT-qPCR), and histone modifications (ChIP-sequencing). Data were statistically processed using SPSS software, including Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test, correlation analysis, and ROC analysis for the development of a prognostic model.Results:Women with EFS showed higher levels of methylation in the FSHR, LHR, and AMH genes, as well as reduced levels of microRNA expression of miR-126 and miR-145. In contrast, there was an increase in the expression of miR-155 and miR-21, as well as a decrease in acetylation of histones H3K9ac and H4K16ac. Correlation analysis revealed negative associations between FSHR methylation and AMH levels, as well as positive associations between miR-126/miR-145 expression and IVF success. The developed multifactorial prognostic model for EFS risk demonstrated high accuracy (AUC = 0.89)

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