Human follicular fluid proteoglycans in relation to in vitro fertilization.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the concentrations of proteoglycans and hyaluronan in human follicular fluid (FF) are associated with follicular volume, oocyte fertilization, and ET during IVF.


METHODS
The FF from individual follicles were collected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods for quantification of a larger chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan and a smaller composite heparan-chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan were established. Hyaluronan and E2 were measured by RIA techniques.


METHODS
Sixteen infertile women participating in the IVF program.


METHODS
Concentrations of the proteoglycans, follicular volume, fertilization, and ET rates.


RESULTS
The follicles contained high concentrations of proteoglycans with an average of 0.8 mg/mL of FF, and approximately 70% consisted of the larger chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, and 30% of the heparan-chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan. A negative correlation was found between the follicular volume, the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (r = -0.43), and hyaluronan (r = -0.56). The percentage of embryos developed in culture was significantly higher in follicles larger than 2 mL. A significant and 35% lower concentration of the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan was found in larger follicles from which subsequent ET was observed. THe heparan-chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan and hyaluronan were both unrelated to fertilization and ET in vitro.


CONCLUSIONS
Lower concentrations of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan were associated with higher follicular volumes and greater fertilization and ET rates. These associations could merely reflect the maturation of the follicle or a role of the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan in the fertilization process.
Eriksen
G V
GV
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhüs University Hospital, Denmark.
Malmström
A
A
Uldbjerg
N
N
D000328:Adult; D011508:Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans / Q000032:analysis; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D004958:Estradiol / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D019812:Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000032:analysis*
D011508:Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans; D019812:Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans; D011509:Proteoglycans; D004958:Estradiol; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid