Vitamin D level affects IVF outcome partially mediated via Th/Tc cell ratio

Abstract

Problem The role of vitamin D (VD) in IVF outcome and immune parameters has not been elucidated well. Method of study Women undergoing IVF treatment with GnRH agonist (Agonist) and progestin‐primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocols were divided into VD lower (VDL, 25(OH)VD ≤20 ng/mL) and VD higher (VDH, 25(OH)VD >20 ng/mL) groups. Follicular fluid (FF) VD level, IVF outcomes, and peripheral blood immunophenotypes by flow cytometry were analyzed. Results FF VD levels of the whole subjects were positively correlated with peripheral blood VD level (r = 0.86, P < 0.001). The number of mature oocytes and the blastocyst formation rate were significantly higher in women with VDH group as compared with those of VDL group in both Agonist and PPOS groups (P < 0.05, respectively). In women with PPOS protocol, peripheral blood NK and B‐cell proportions and T helper/T cytotoxic (Th/Tc) cell ratios of VDL group were significantly higher than those of VDH group (P < 0.05, respectively). In women with Agonist protocol, peripheral blood B‐cell proportion and Th/Tc ratios of VDL group were significantly higher than those of VDH group (P < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion VD level is associated with IVF outcomes possibly derived by T‐cell immunity, particularly Th/Tc ratios.

Insulin Resistance Adversely Affect IVF Outcomes in Lean Women Without PCOS

“…Previously, we reported that women with low vitamin D levels had higher peripheral blood B-cell proportion and T helper/T cytotoxic cell ratios than those of normal vitamin D ( 35 ). In this study, vitamin D levels were not different between the two study groups.…”

Age-related changes in Folliculogenesis and potential modifiers to improve fertility outcomes - A narrative review

“…In a study assessing infertile women undergoing IVF, higher FF levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were noted to be associated with significantly increased clinical pregnancy and implantation rates [ 287 ]. In several prospective studies, serum VD levels correlated positively with the number of mature oocytes retrieved and oocyte fertilization rates in patients undergoing the IVF [ 288 – 290 ]. In the same study, multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, BMI, ethnicity, and number of embryos transferred, identified FF levels of VD as an independent predictor of success of an IVF cycle [ 287 ].…”