Concentrations of matrix metallopeptidase 9, interleukin 4, and interleukin 8 in follicular fluid, and the results of in vitro fertilization

Abstract

Objective Cytokines and enzymes in follicular fluid (FF) may have a crucial role in fertility. This study aimed to analyse the results of in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF/ET) and compare them with matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and cytokine concentrations in FF. Methods This case–control study included 20 randomly selected patients with a positive pregnancy (PPG) test and 20 with a negative pregnancy (NPG) test after IVF/ET. In FF obtained during oocyte retrieval, the concentrations of soluble forms of MMP-9, interleukin 1 (IL-1) alpha, IL-1 beta, interferon gamma, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were measured. Their effect on the characteristics of follicles, embryos, and the efficiency of IVF and ET were analysed. Results High-sensitivity IL-4 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with a PPG test than in those with an NPG test (3.15 ± 3.23 vs 1.91 ± 0.35 pg/mL). The number of top-quality embryos achieved was significantly higher in patients with a PPG test than in those with an NPG test (2.6 ± 1.39 vs 1.75 ± 1.21), and they were negatively correlated with IL-8 concentrations in FF. Conclusion Further research on the role of IL-4 and IL-8 in FF is required to establish any clinical benefit of determining their concentrations in FF of infertile women.

Assessment of RANTES, MIP4A, MMP7, MMP9, MMP14, TIMP 1, TIMP 2 and TIMP 3 concentration in the follicular fluid of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer procedure

“…Our previously published research did not find such a correlation between cytokine and MMP9 concentration [4].…”

“…FF is rich in cytokines, which was observed in our previous research [4,7,8]. The interpretation of FF cytokine concentration and its influence on ovarian follicles, the natural course of ovulation and corpus luteum formation, and eventually embryo implantation is difficult due to many confounding factors.…”

“…The study limitations were described in detail in the previous paper [4]. In summary, the main limitation in the interpretation of the results of this case-control study is the relatively small and diverse research population.…”

“…Both groups were comparable for age distribution, ethnicity, height, weight, and causes of infertility, and went through a comparable course of ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval. The general characteristics of the research group have been already described [4].…”

“…Detailed inclusion and exclusion criteria, gynaecological assessment regime, patients' hormonal stimulation and the procedure leading to IVF, ovarian puncture procedure, and embryo assessment strategies were described in detail in our published research in 2022 [4].…”