The expression of pseudogene cyclin D2 mRNA in the human ovary may be a novel marker for decreased ovarian function associated with the aging process

Purpose: Our purpose was to investigate the expression pattern of cyclin D2 and pseudogene cyclin D2 mRNA in the human ovary with age. Methods: After extraction of the total RNA from ovarian tissues of 23 preme nopausal patients, cyclin D2 and pseudogene cyclin D2 mRNAs were measured b y the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technique using cycli n D2 and pseudogene cyclin D2 specific primers. Analysis of the cyclin D2 a nd pseudogene cyclin D2 mRNA expression pattern with age and correlation an alysis were carried out. Results: A 489-bp cyclin D2 band and a 441-bp pseudogene cycin D2 mRNA band were detected in the human ovarian tissue. While cyclin D2 mRNA expression showed a decreasing tendency with age (P = 0.17), pseudogene cyclin D2 mRN A expression increased with age (P < 0.05). Pseudogene cyclin D2 mRNA expre ssion showed a negative correlation with cyclin D2 mRNA (R = -0.35, P < 0.0 3). Conclusion: The expression of pseudogene cyclin D2 mRNA in the human ovary increases with age, which may be a novel marker for decreased ovarian funct ion associated with the aging process.