CA-125 levels in cervical mucus during the menstrual cycle.
OBJECTIVE
To determine CA-125 levels in cervical mucus (CM) during the menstrual cycle and their relationship to gonadal steroids and ovulation.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Two academic tertiary referral centers.


METHODS
Thirteen women with a normal fertility work-up.


METHODS
CA-125 and protein concentrations were measured in CM aspirated from the endocervical canal on alternate days in the early follicular and luteal phases and on a daily basis during the periovulatory period. Results were correlated with hormonal determinations, serum CA-125 levels, and ultrasound examination.


RESULTS
Twenty ovulatory nonconceptional cycles were analyzed. Although the mean (+/- SD) concentration of CA-125 in CM (173,900 +/- 128,900 arbitrary U/mL) appeared relatively constant along the cycle, a large variation among the different samples was observed, ranging from 9,000 to 830,000 arbitrary U/mL. No clear trend could be detected as related to hormonal changes and ovulation. However, when the mucus CA-125 concentration was multiplied by the total volume of the correspondent sample, a clear periovulatory increase of total CA-125 levels was found. This was further supported by a similar trend showed by the calculated CA-125:protein concentration ratio.


CONCLUSIONS
CA-125 is present in CM in high concentrations that vary widely along the cycle. Although no cyclical variation in CA-125 concentration could be determined, there was an apparent increase of total CA-125 levels parallel to the augmented mucus production during the periovulatory period. This further suggests a possible involvement of this glycoprotein in the secretory process of endocervical glands.
Martinez
A R
AR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Thomas
C M
CM
Segers
M F
MF
Schoemaker
J
J
Eskes
T K
TK
D000328:Adult; D015295:Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate / Q000032:analysis* / Q000502:physiology; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D005498:Follicular Phase / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000502:physiology; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D009093:Mucus / Q000737:chemistry*; D010060:Ovulation / Q000502:physiology; D011446:Prospective Studies
D015295:Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone