Research
Down-regulation of progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) in peripheral nucleated blood cells associated with premature ovarian failure (POF) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
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* Corresponding author: Jens Schuster jens.schuster@genpat.uu.se
1 Department of Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
2 Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
3 Department of Clinical Science, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 2010, 8:58 doi:10.1186/1477-7827-8-58
Published: 10 June 2010Abstract
Background
Progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) is a member of a progesterone-binding complex implicated in female reproduction. We aimed i) to determine the natural expression of PGRMC1 in peripheral nucleated blood cells throughout the menstrual cycle and ii) to investigate any association between PGRMC1 levels in leukocytes and conditions characterized by reduced fertility.
Methods
We analyzed PGRMC1 expression in peripheral leukocytes from 15 healthy cycling women over four weeks. Additionally, we determined PGRMC1 levels in samples from patients with premature ovarian failure (POF) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as well as in healthy postmenopausal women and male controls. The levels of PGRMC1 protein in nucleated peripheral blood cells were quantified by Western blot analysis.
Results
PGRMC1 levels did not vary significantly throughout the menstrual cycle. We observed a significant down-regulation of PGRMC1 in postmenopausal women and in patients with premature ovarian failure (POF) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) when compared to early follicular phase of healthy women.
Conclusion
This study suggests that reduced levels of PGRMC1 in peripheral leukocytes are associated with perturbed ovulatory function.