Upregulation of ICAM-1 and HLA-G Genes Expression in Cumulus Cells of Infertile Women with Poor Response to Ovarian Stimulation with a Healthy Lifestyle

Abstract Purpose: Diagnosis of women with poor ovarian response (POR) to exogenous gonadotropin stimulation is a challenge for reproductive specialists. This study aimed to investigate the expression profile for ICAM-1 and HLA-G genes in the cumulus cells of infertile women with POR based on their healthy lifestyle. Methods: Eighty women under the age of 35 were enrolled and divided into two groups: 1- POR without a healthy lifestyle (n=40) and POR with a healthy lifestyle (n=40). The ICAM-1 and HLA-G genes expression was compared by the quantitative PCR between the groups. The ICAM-1 and HLA-G protein levels were analyzed by the western blotting technique, and the methylation pattern was investigated by the methylation-specific PCR. Results: The qRT-PCR assay showed that ICAM-1 and HLA-G genes were differentially expressed between the two groups studied. ICAM-1,HLA-G genes,and proteins expressions in POR with healthy lifestyle were upregulated compared to the second group (P<0.05). ICAM-1 and HLA-G DNA methylation status in the POR with a healthy lifestyle were decreased compared to the other group (P<0.05). The oocyte quality and clinical pregnancy ratio were significantly higher in the POR with a healthy lifestyle women than in the other ones (P<0.05). Conclusion: Theupregulation of ICAM-1 and HLA-G in POR women is probably related to lifestyle. Lifestyle may affect the methylation pattern, protein levels and alteration of gene expression profiles in the cumulus cells of POR women. Additionally, lifestyle may be considered a marker for ovulation, oocyte maturation, preimplantation and clinical pregnancy process.