Detection of immunoreactive interleukin-11 in human follicular fluid: correlations with ovarian steroid, insulin-like growth factor I levels, and follicular maturity.
OBJECTIVE
To prove the presence of interleukin-11 (IL-11) in the follicular fluid (FF), to determine its source and the correlation between IL-11 and fertilization outcome, follicular size, number of follicles per patient, steroids, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) levels.


METHODS
Interleukin-11 levels were measured in FFs, aspirated during oocyte pickup for IVF.


METHODS
Academic hospital and research environment.


METHODS
Follicular fluid and serum were obtained with informed consent from 44 patients undergoing IVF-ET. Granulosa cells were isolated from 17 patients.


METHODS
We hypothesized that IL-11 might play a role in follicular development, as do other related cytokines present in FF. Interleukin-11 was measured with ELISA.


RESULTS
Interleukin-11 was absent in the serum but present in FF and in conditioned medium from granulosa cells. Atretic follicles had higher concentrations of IL-11. No correlation was found between IL-11 and fertilization outcome, follicular size, steroid, IGF-I, and total protein concentrations.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that IL-11 is present in FF. The role of IL-11 in follicular development should be the object of further investigations.
Branisteanu
I
I
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Catholic University, Leuven, Belgium.
Pijnenborg
R
R
Spiessens
C
C
Van der Auwera
I
I
Keith
J C
JC
Van Assche
F A
FA
D015415:Biomarkers; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004958:Estradiol / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005496:Follicular Atresia; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000032:analysis*; D017370:Interleukin-11 / Q000032:analysis*; D008677:Metaphase; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000032:analysis*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015415:Biomarkers; D017370:Interleukin-11; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I