Cytogenetics of premature ovarian failure: an investigation on 269 affected women

J Biomed Biotechnol. 2011:2011:370195. doi: 10.1155/2011/370195. Epub 2011 Jan 17.

Abstract

The importance of X chromosome in the aetiology of premature ovarian failure (POF) is well-known but in many cases POF still remains idiopathic. Chromosome aneuploidy increase is a physiological phenomenon related to aging, but the role of low-level sex chromosome mosaicism in ovarian function is still undiscovered. Standard cytogenetic analysis was carried out in a total of 269 patients affected by POF: 27 chromosomal abnormalities were identified, including X chromosome and autosomal structural and numerical abnormalities. In 47 patients with 46,XX karyotype we performed interphase FISH using X alpha-satellite probe in order to identify X chromosome mosaicism rate. Aneuploidy rate in the patient group was significantly higher than the general population group. These findings underline the importance of X chromosome in the aetiology of POF and highlight the potential role of low-level sex chromosome mosaicism in ovarian aging that may lead to a premature onset of menopause.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aging / genetics
  • Cell Nucleus / genetics
  • Chromosome Aberrations
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18 / genetics
  • Chromosomes, Human, X / genetics
  • Cytogenetic Analysis / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Interphase
  • Middle Aged
  • Monosomy / genetics
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / genetics*
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / pathology