Function of Follicular Cytokines: Roles Played during Maturation, Development and Implantation of Embryo

Abstract

A balance within the immune system is necessary for the proper development of ovarian follicles. Numerous cytokines were detected in follicular fluid, the role of which in reproductive physiology seems crucial. They influence the development and maturation of the follicle, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation, as well as embryo implantation and maintenance of pregnancy. The analysis of follicular fluid requires its collection by puncturing of the ovary, which is usually executed in connection with various gynaecological procedures. When interpreting such test results, clinical indications for a given procedure and the method of patient preparation should be taken into account. This review revealed the results of currently available studies on the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines in follicular fluid in various forms of infertility. Additionally, it presented cytokines, whose concentration has a significant impact on the size of ovarian follicles, their number, the effectiveness of in vitro fertilisation, development of the embryo, and chances of correct implantation. Despite the many recent publications, the knowledge of follicular fluid immunology in the context of reproductive pathology is superficial and further research is required to extensively understand the roles of individual cytokines in reproductive pathology. In the future, this knowledge may enable patients’ individual qualifications to individual methods of infertility treatment, as well as the possible adjustment of the treatment regimen to the patient’s immune profile.

Are the Follicular Fluid Characteristics of Recovered Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients Different From Those of Vaccinated Women Approaching in vitro Fertilization?

“…Physiological expression of cytokines and chemokines is required for optimal ovarian functions; they are produced by resident and infiltrating leukocytes as well as granulosa and theca cells ( Akison et al, 2018 ). Inflammatory processes might compromise steroidogenesis and oocyte development; in particular, it has been observed that pro-inflammatory cytokines in FF play essential roles in follicular growth and ovulation, influence subsequent fertilization, embryonic development, implantation potential, and implantation of embryos ( Adamczak et al, 2021 ). It has been shown that patients with severe COVID-19 disease can be subjected to the so-called “cytokine storm” ( Chen et al, 2021 ), an exaggeratedly violent reaction of the immune defenses which, instead of protecting from the virus, attack all the patient’s organs.…”

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

“…Clinical indications for a given procedure, the underlying medical condition of the patient, and the pharmacological method of preparation need to be taken into account when interpreting such results. 1 The current study is based on FF obtained from women with different causes of infertility. We found several interesting findings.…”

“…Research on modifying cytological profiles in infertile women would be interesting, but difficult to achieve because of bioethical concerns. 1 , 30 , 31 …”

“…However, knowledge of the interactions between FF cytokines and their effect on the result of fertility treatment is still limited. 1 …”

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

“…Chemokine CXCL8 is the most well-known chemokine, with the most studies on the reproductive system [30]. It was detected as a proin ammatory cytokine in the uptake and activation of the neutrophils in the human preovulatory follicle [9,31], and ART cycles results [30,32,33].…”