METHOD OF EVALUATING FEMALE REPRODUTIVE FUNCTION

Abstract

A non-invasive method to evaluate the reproductive function in female subjects is disclosed. The method disclosed herein provides assessing female reproductive function and ovarian response based on the number of CGG repeats and AGG interspersion number and pattern on each of the FMR1 gene alleles. Using a mathematical formula, it is possible to calculate an allelic score that differentiates those subjects with a better reproductive performance. This solution can thus be used routinely as a biomarker for predicting infertility or in the selection of ideal ovarian donor candidates.

Claims

1. A method of evaluating female reproductive function comprising the following steps: obtaining genomic DNA from a female subject's blood; measuring the number of triplet CGG repeats on each allele of the FMR1 gene; determining the AGG interspersions number, the number CGG repeats before the first AGG interruption and the number of CGG repeats after the last AGG interruption; calculating the allelic score according to the following mathematical formula: $\mathrm{Allelic}\mathrm{Score}=\left(\underset{i=1}{\overset{n}{.Math.}}{R}_i\times 4^{i-1}\right)+\left(R_{n+1}\times 4^n\right)$ wherein, R.sub.i is number of CGG repeats before the first AGG interruption of order i (counting from 5′ to 3′); n is total number of AGG interspersions; R.sub.n+1 is the number of CGG repeats after the last AGG interruption; wherein subjects with an allelic score similar for both alleles have a better reproductive performance.

2. A method for prediction of infertility comprising carrying out the steps of the method according to claim 1.

3. A method for selection of ideal oocyte donors comprising carrying out the steps of the method according to claim 1.

4. A method for determination of premature ovarian aging predisposition comprising carrying out the steps of the method according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0044] The accompanying drawings illustrate various results and embodiments of the present invention and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0045] FIG. 1 shows a biplot of FMR1 sub-genotypes biochemical results for the 50 female samples.

[0046] FIG. 2 shows the allelic complexity score value of each sample.

[0047] FIG. 3 shows the allelic complexity score value based on the allele size and AGG interruption number and pattern. Samples carrying alleles of equivalent AGG pattern are represented with lozenges and those with an opposite pattern with triangles.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates an isobologram showing the visual representation of the mathematical formula. Axes show the LH and Prolactin levels. Each color is associated with a specific number of antral follicles. A low number of follicles is represented in black and the maximum in grey. tAFC—Total Antral Follicle.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0049] Now, preferred embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the annexed drawings. However, they are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0050] According to the present application the method for evaluating female reproductive function comprises the following steps: [0051] obtaining genomic DNA from a female subject's blood; [0052] measuring the number of triplet CGG repeats on each allele of the FMR1 gene; [0053] determining the AGG interspersions number and pattern; [0054] calculating the allelic score based on a mathematical formula.

[0055] In one embodiment the allelic score is calculated according to the following score:

[00003]$\mathrm{Allelic}\mathrm{Score}=\left(\underset{i=1}{\overset{n}{.Math.}}{R}_i\times 4^{i-1}\right)+\left(R_{n+1}\times 4^n\right)$

[0056] Wherein,

[0057] R.sub.i is number of CGG repeats before the first AGG interruption of order i (counting from 5′ to 3′);

[0058] n is total number of AGG interspersions;

[0059] R.sub.n+1 is the number of CGG repeats after the last AGG interruption.

[0060] In one embodiment, the method for evaluating female reproductive function described herein is used in predicting of infertility.

[0061] In one embodiment, the method for evaluating female reproductive function described herein is used in the selection of ideal oocyte donor.

[0062] In one embodiment, the method for evaluating female reproductive function described herein is used in determining premature ovarian aging predisposition.

[0063] This description is of course not in any way restricted to the forms of implementation presented herein and any person with an average knowledge of the area can provide many possibilities for modification thereof without departing from the general idea as defined by the claims. The preferred forms of implementation described above can obviously be combined with each other. The following claims further define the preferred forms of implementation.

REFERENCES

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