AMH: Could It Be Used as A Biomarker for Fertility and Superovulation in Domestic Animals?

Genes (Basel). 2019 Dec 4;10(12):1009. doi: 10.3390/genes10121009.

Abstract

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a reliable and easily detectable reproductive marker for the fertility competence of many farm animal species. AMH is also a good predictor of superovulation in cattle, sheep, and mares. In this review, we have summarized the recent findings related to AMH and its predictive reliability related to fertility and superovulation in domestic animals, especially in cattle. We focused on: (1) the dynamics of AMH level from infancy to prepubescence as well as during puberty and adulthood; (2) AMH as a predictor of fertility; (3) the association between antral follicle count (AFC) and plasma AMH level; (4) AMH as a predictor of superovulation; and (5) factors affecting AMH levels in domestic animals, especially cattle. Many factors affect the circulatory levels of AMH when considering the plasma, like nutrition, activity of granulosa cells, disease state and endocrine disruptions during fetal life. Briefly, we concluded that AMH concentrations are static within individuals, and collection of a single dose of blood has become more popular in the field of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). It may act as a potential predictor of fertility, superovulation, and ovarian disorders in domestic animals. However, due to the limited research in domestic animals, this potential of AMH remains underutilized.

Keywords: AFC; AMH; domestic animals; fertility; superovulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Domestic / blood*
  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone / blood*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Female
  • Fertility*
  • Granulosa Cells / metabolism*
  • Granulosa Cells / pathology
  • Ovarian Diseases / blood*
  • Superovulation*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone