Evaluation of Gene Expression of ISL2, VAX1, BARX1, and OTX2 in Follicular Fluid of Endometriosis Patients Undergoing IVF/ICSI Treatment

Abstract

Background and Objective: Endometriosis is a chronic, pre-inflammatory disease characterized by the growth of tissue resembling the endometrium outside the uterus, affecting approximately 10% of women worldwide. HOX family genes and their cofactors play a crucial role in the growth and maturation of the female reproductive system. This study aims to evaluate the expression of ISL2, VAX1, BARX1, and OTX2 genes in the follicular fluid of endometriosis patients undergoing IVF/ICSI cycles. Materials and Methods: Follicular fluid samples were collected from 20 women with endometriosis and 20 healthy women (non-endometriosis) who visited Royan Institute for infertility treatment. After reviewing inclusion and exclusion criteria and obtaining written consent, VAX1, ISL2, BARX1, and OTX2 gene expression levels were assessed and compared between the two groups using Real-time PCR. Results: The results from Real-time PCR indicated that the expression levels of OTX2 and ISL2 were significantly increased (p<0.05). At the same time, BARX1 and VAX1 showed a significant increase (p<0.01) in the follicular fluid of endometriosis patients compared to healthy women. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the expression levels of VAX1, ISL2, BARX1, and OTX2 are elevated in the follicular fluid of patients with endometriosis.

Keywords: Endometriosis, follicular fluid, HOX gene cofactors, gene expression, IVF/ICSI.