Anti-Müllerian hormone in chronic kidney disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the utility of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in chronic kidney disease (CKD)
IRAS ID
165905
Contact name
Sokratis Stoumpos
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is a glycoprotein predominantly known for its role in male sexual differentiation. The ovary is also able to produce AMH. Recent years have shown multiple ways in which AMH is not only a ‘male’ hormone but is emerging as an invaluable tool offering new insights into ovarian function through the reproductive years
.
Release of AMH from the granulosa cells of antral follicles leads to measurable serum levels, and these concentrations have shown to be proportional to the number of developing follicles in the ovaries. Therefore, AMH was considered to be a marker for the process of ovarian ageing, making it one of the most crucial factors underpinning female fertility.
To date, AMH has developed into a factor with a wide array of clinical applications, and has been suggested to predict the ovarian response to hyperstimulation of the ovaries for IVF, premature ovarian insufficiency and the timing of menopause.Menstrual problems are common among women with renal insufficiency. Women with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) often have disturbances in the menstrual cycle and fertility, usually leading to a stop in menstrual periods. Amenorrhea is common by the time the patient reaches end stage renal disease (ESRD). The menstrual cycle typically remains irregular with scanty flow after the initiation of maintenance dialysis. On the other hand, fertility is restored within a few months after successful kidney transplantation.
The aim of this study is to investigate the utility of AMH as a biochemical marker of ovarian function in females of childbearing age with CKD. We are aiming to measure serum AMH levels in three distinct groups of patients (patients with CKD stage 4, patients with ESRD on dialysis and renal transplant recipients), and determine if differences in fertility between these groups are associated with AMH levels.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
15/NS/0040
Date of REC Opinion
15 May 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion