The expression of angiotensin II receptors mRNA in granulosa-lutein cells in endometriosis patients who underwent ovarian surgery before in vitro fertilization

Angiogenesis is important to folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in follicular fluid (FF) induces folliculogenesis. Angiotensin II is involved in angiogenesis through angiotensin II receptors. To elucidate the mechanisms of oocyte maturation disorders in endometriotic patients, the authors investigated the concentration of VEGF, angiotensin II, and soluble receptor of VEGF (sFlt-1) in FF and the expression of angiotensin II receptors mRNA in granulosa-lutein (GL) cells in endometriosis patients with controlled ovarian stimulation. FF samples were obtained from 56 NF cycles (control = 47, endometriosis = 9). GL cells were obtained from 15 IVF cycles (control = 10, endometriosis = 5). The authors examined the concentration of VEGF, sFlt-1, and angiotensin II in FF by ELISA, and the expression of angiotensin II receptors mRNA by quantitative RT-PCR. Informed consents were obtained from all patients and [RB approval was obtained. The expression levels of angiotensin II type 1 and type 2 receptor mRNA in endometriosis was significantly lower than the control. The number of immature oocytes was significantly higher in endometriosis than in control. Lower expression of angiotensin II receptors may affect folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation.