Premature ovarian failure with FMR1 premutation, X chromosome mosaicism and blood lymphocyte microchimerism

Abstract

Genetic causes of premature ovarian failure (POF) comprise less than one-third of all cases, among them X chromosome abnormalities, mutations and polymorphisms in some genes. The frequency of X-chromosome mosaicism in women with sporadic POF has been found to range between 3 and 10%, whereas the prevalence of POF in carriers of the FMR1 premutation is estimated to range between 13 and 25%. We report two successful pregnancy outcomes after in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer with donated oocytes in a woman with severe POF of a complex genetic origin. Chromosome analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization on cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes and buccal mucosal cells, and molecular genetic studies, using autosomal, Y-chromosomal polymorphic microsatellite or short tandem repeat markers and CGG repeats in the FMR1 gene, were performed. FMR1 premutation, sex chromosome mosaicism and blood lymphocyte microchimerism were found. Assisted reproduction techniques can be safely used in POF women after a thorough clinical evaluation and genetic counselling.

Key words:

• PREMATURE OVARIAN FAILURE
• FMR1 PREMUTATION
• SEX CHROMOSOME MOSAICISM
• BLOOD LYMPHOCYTE MICROCHIMERISM
• PREGNANCY
• OOCYTE DONATION

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank Ms Mojca Pirc for revision of the English text.

Conflict of interest  The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Source of funding  Nil.