Evaluation of expression CXCL8 chemokine and its relationship with oocyte maturation and embryo quality in the intracytoplasmic sperm injection method

Abstract

BackgroundThe present study aimed to evaluate the expression of the chemokine CXCL8 in both mRNA and protein levels in the serum, follicular uid (FF), and cumulus cells (CCs) and its relationship with oocyte maturation and embryo quality in women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). MethodsA total of 87 women who underwent an ICSI cycle were evaluated in two groups, including the test group (female factor infertility) and the control group (fertile). In the serum, FF, and CCs, the protein and mRNA expression of CXCL8 were measured using immunosorbent assay and Real-Time PCR, respectively. The quality and quantity of the oocytes and embryos were assessed, and relationship of protein and mRNA CXCL8 was evaluated with oocyte maturation and embryo quality. ResultsThe level of protein and mRNA of CXCL8 was signi cantly higher in the serum, FF, and CCs in the test group than in the control group. In the test group, the expression of mRNA and protein of CXCL8 had a signi cant increase in FF and CCs compared to serum; also, there was a CXCL8 protein signi cant increase in FF compared to CCs. The count of oocytes obtained, MII oocytes, and the percentage of oocyte maturity signi cantly decreased in the test group. The expression of CXCL8 was inversely related to oocyte maturation, but no relationship was observed with embryo quality. ConclusionThe elevated concentrations of CXCL8 in the serum and FF seem to be a predictor as a potential non-invasive biomarker for the oocyte maturation outcome in women with female factor infertility.