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Oestrogen plays an important role in follicular formation and oocyte maturation via its receptor (ER). Many studies have shown association of the ER gene polymorphisms with a variety of pathological conditions. In this study we have examined the relationship of a common PvuII and a rare BstUI polymorphism in the ER gene to the mean numbers of follicles and oocytes, their mean ratios, mean number of embryos, mean oestrogen concentrations, mean size of the follicles and pregnancy rates. Analyses were carried out in 200 local Chinese patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer in three consecutive cycles. The mean follicular number, oocyte number, embryo number, follicular size and pregnancy rate were significantly smaller in patients homozygous for PvuII polymorphism (P < 0.001). These results indicate that PvuII polymorphism may be associated with ovarian follicular development and subsequently with the pregnancy rate. This study supports the view that genetic variability in the ER gene may have a role in the quality of the ovarian follicles in stimulation, which may affect implantation. However BstUI polymorphism was not found in either the IVF or control groups, suggesting that it has no role in the local Chinese population.

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