Investigating apoptotic, inflammatory, and growth markers in poor responders undergoing natural in vitro fertilization cycles: a pilot study

Abstract

This study investigates follicular fluid (FF) from patients with poor and normal ovarian response undergoing natural assisted reproductive technology cycles. We report about (1) cell‐free DNA (cfDNA), which reflects apoptosis; (2) corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH); (3) interleukin (IL)‐15, which reflects inflammation; (4) granulocyte colony–stimulating factor (G‐CSF); (5) vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); and (6) insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I), which reflects follicular growth. Forty‐four poor responders and 44 normal responders—according to the Bologna criteria—were recruited. FF samples were prepared for cfDNA quantification employing Q‐PCR and for CRH, IL‐15, G‐CSF, VEGF, and IGF‐I quantification employing ELISA. Statistically nonsignificant different levels of FF cfDNA, CRH, IL‐15, VEGF, and IGF‐I were observed. Interestingly, statistically significant higher G‐CSF levels were observed in normal responders (302.48 ± 474.36 versus 200.10 ± 426.79 pg/mL, P = 0.003). Lower cfDNA integrity was observed in cycles resulting in clinical pregnancy for both groups (normal: 0.07 ± 0.04 versus 0.25 ± 0.17 ng/μL, P < 0.001; poor: 0.10 ± 0.06 versus 0.26 ± 0.12 ng/μL, P < 0.001). The results predominantly showcase similarities between normal and poor responders pertaining to inflammatory, apoptotic, and growth factors. This may be attributed to the employment of natural cycles in order to exclude controlled ovarian stimulation as a factor—indicating its detrimental effect. As G‐CSF levels presented significantly higher in normal responders, its vital role in understanding a compromised ovarian response is highlighted.