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7381309 
Journal Article 
Biomarkers of human oocyte developmental competence expressed in cumulus cells before ICSI: a preliminary study 
Assidi, M; Montag, M; Van der Ven, K; Sirard, MA 
2011 
Yes 
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
ISSN: 1058-0468
EISSN: 1573-7330 
28 
2 
173-188 
English 
20953827 
WOS:000288515300013 
PURPOSE: To identify reliable genomic biomarkers expressed in cumulus cells that accurately and non-invasively predict the oocyte developmental competence and reinforce the already used morphological criteria.

METHODS: Eight consenting patients were selected for ovarian stimulation and ICSI procedures. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were transvaginally punctured and individually selected based on both good morphological criteria and high zona pellucida birefringence. Following ICSI, two 3-day embryos per patient were transferred. Pregnancy outcome was recorded and proven implantation was thereafter confirmed. Differential gene expression was assessed using two microarray platforms. Further real-time PCR validation, Ingenuity pathways analysis and intra-patient analysis were performed on 17 selected candidates.

RESULTS: Seven genes were differentially (p ≤ 0.05) associated to successful pregnancy and implantation. These biomarkers could be used to predict the oocyte developmental competence.

CONCLUSIONS: These genomic markers are a powerful reinforcement of morphological approaches of oocyte selection. Their large-scale validation could increase pregnancy outcome and single embryo transfer efficiency.