Concordiensis

Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: Sci/Tech

"Classically, AMH is a member of the transforming growth factor beta family, which induces apoptosis, or programmed cell death. So, one would think that expression of AMH in a developing follicle might be deleterious. The other thing that AMH does, and what's really interesting, is that it prevents overselection by follicle-stimulating hormone. So, as an egg develops, FSH constantly stimulates those follicles to grow and mature, and AMH regulates that stimulation, so it's there as a brake to prevent too much FSH stimulation which could lead to chromosomal abnormalities. So, my hypothesis is that an overall median level of AMH expression will be most advantageous for egg quality and pregnancy success, in that it won't necessarily be inducing apoptosis but it will be a safeguard against overselection."

AMH levels may be useful as an assessment tool, but they hold significantly more promise if they can also be used as a tool in the application of ART treatments. As these treatments can be costly and complex, and carry their own associated health risks, a reliable tool for gauging their potential effectiveness would be an important development in the field.

However, there are conflicting views in the field regarding the actual efficacy of AMH as a predictive tool. Genevieve's work aims to improve our understanding of the relationship between AMH and ART success and demonstrate that AMH can be used as an effective tool in infertility treatments.

Genevieve is applying to medical school in the next round, and is also applying for a NIH grant for the upcoming year. She either wants to continue working at Albany IVF and Infertility for a year or work in a lab with her grant.

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