LHCGR gene variants are associated with ovarian response and miscarriage risk following fresh and frozen embryo transfer

Background: Currently, infertility is a widespread problem. Despite recent advances in assisted reproductive technologies, success rates still need to be improved. Understanding patients' variability and addressing it with personalized methods may increase the success rates. The aim of the study: The aim of the present study was to analyze the possibility of using variants rs12470652 and rs2293275 of the LHCGR gene to predict ovarian response or pregnancy outcome in assisted reproductive technologies, including the influence of cryopreservation factor. Materials and methods: The present study included 292 infertile women who underwent assisted reproductive technologies. Inclusion criteria were the first or second IVF/ICSI cycle, including women with tubal or/and male factor, anovulation, idiopathic infertility. Exclusion criteria were reduced FSH and/or AMH serum levels. Results: The frequency distribution for rs12470652 and rs2293275 gene variants was AA (94%), AG (6%) and AA (9%), AG (52%), GG (39%) respectively. rs2293275 G allele was found to be associated with low ovarian response. In total, frozen embryo transfer was found to be marginally more efficient, than fresh embryo transfer. In women who became pregnant after fresh embryo transfer, the rs2293275 G allele was statistically significantly found to be a risk factor for miscarriage. Accordingly, frozen embryo transfer hypothesized to be more preferred for rs2293275 G allele carriers to give live birth, than fresh embryo transfer. Meanwhile, fresh embryo transfer might be more effective for rs12470652 G allele carriers to give live birth. Chi-squared test confirmed the results; however, the odds ratio was not applied due to the limited sample size. Further studies and sample increase are required to confirm the results. Conclusion: The present study proposes that LHCGR rs12470652 and rs2293275 genetic variants may improve the prognosis of efficiency of fresh and frozen embryo transfer and might be considered as predictors when planning IVF/ICSI cycles.