Since undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) has provided dismal results in the past, anticipating the outcome beforehand has been the ultimate goal for scientists worldwide. And technologies like a calculator and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) may assist in achieving IVF success. David Barad, an expert from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University has now crafted a genetic blood test that predicts the chances of a successful pregnancy after an in vitro fertilization (IVF).
The study was conducted on 339 female infertility patients who were subjected to 455 IVF cycles at CHR. The probable link between three different FMR1 genotypes and pregnancy outcomes as well as autoimmunity levels was thoroughly assessed. Subjects with the ‘normal’ FMR1 genotype apparently had a 38.6 percent pregnancy rate and women with the ‘heterozygous-normal/high’ genotype had a 31.7 percent pregnancy rate. Women having the ‘heterozygous-normal/low’ genotype allegedly had a 22.2 percent pregnancy rate.
David Barad, M.D., associate clinical professor of epidemiology and population health and of obstetrics and gynecology and women’s health at Einstein, alleged, “This is the first evidence that a specific gene appears to be directly associated with IVF outcomes. Our research also suggests the FMR1 gene, some forms of which are known to predict premature ovarian failure, could be used to predict at what age a woman’s fertility is going to start decreasing.â€
Assumingly, the genotype correlated with the lowest pregnancy rate is also associated with elevated measures of autoimmunity. Participants with this genotype supposedly have a higher incidence of polycystic ovary syndrome which is a common cause of infertility. The blood test for the FMR1 may be comparatively cheaper and is not yet clinically available.
The study was published in the December 2010 issue of the online journal PLoS One.