The utility of serum leptin and follicular fluid leptin, estradiol, and progesterone levels during an in vitro fertilization cycle

Abstract

Purpose: To prospectively evaluate serum and follicular fluid leptin, estradiol, and progesterone levels during in vitro fertilization.Methods: Prospective observational study measuring serum levels at six points during the IVF cycle and follicular fluid at the time of retrieval.Results: Serum leptin and estradiol levels both significantly increased for the individual patients during the IVF stimulation process. None of the leptin levels differed based on pregnancy outcome. BMI significantly correlated with all leptin levels. Follicular fluid estradiol correlated with serum estradiol only in pregnant patients (r = 0.97, p < 0.01) and was unrelated in non-pregnant patients (r = − 0.15, p = 0.81).Conclusion: Serum and follicular leptin levels are highly correlated. Leptin levels increase during the IVF cycle and vary between patients based on maternal BMI, but do not correlate with other serum hormone levels or pregnancy outcome. Pregnancy outcome success was reflected in the relationship between follicular fluid and serum levels of estradiol, independent of leptin levels.

The impact of obesity on egg quality

“…In bovine oocytes high concentrations of leptin decreased cleavage rates and development to blastocyst stage, but did not affect gene expression [57]. In women, elevated leptin is associated with higher BMI [58], and in vitro studies of human granulosa cells indicate leptin can impair steroidogenesis [59]. Lower intrafollicular leptin does not differ between PCOS and control women, but is associated with higher BMI.…”

Comparison of Serum Leptin Level in Women with Unexplained Infertility and Fertile Women in Iran

“…Various reasons such as mild defects in spermiogram, slight hormonal changes and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are involved in unexplained infertility [3]. Leptin is a hormonal factor affecting ovulation and the ovary through both paracrine and endocrine actions [4]. It also plays a key role in energy homeostasis and body weight regulation.…”

“…Leptin is also produced by the ovary, and estradiol has a stimulatory effect on its production. In low concentrations, leptin has stimulatory effects, and in high concentrations, it has inhibitory effects on gonadotropins [4,5].…”

Thioredoxin, an antioxidant redox protein, in ovarian follicles of women undergoing <i>in vitro</i> fertilization

“…In this study we did not measure the E 2 levels in follicular fluid. It has been reported that E 2 levels in the serum were positively correlated with the E 2 levels in follicular fluid [25,26]. It is therefore unlikely that there is a considerable discrepancy in E 2 levels between the serum and follicular fluid.…”