In controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, steroid production, oocyte retrieval, and pregnancy rate correlate with gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor.
OBJECTIVE
Whether the gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in human granulosa cells is a predictor of fertilization was evaluated in patients participating in an in vitro fertilization program.


METHODS
Fifty patients with normal ovaries who were participating in an in vitro fertilization program at the University of Milan, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, were included in the study. We correlated E2 and P serum levels on the day of oocyte collection, the number of follicles, oocytes collected, and fertilized, and pregnancies with mRNA for VEGF of luteinizing granulosa cells obtained at the time of oocyte retrieval.


RESULTS
Comparing E2 and P serum levels, the number of follicles, oocytes collected and fertilized, and pregnancies with gene expression for VEGF, we found a positive correlation. E2 and P serum levels were higher in patients with increased VEGF (P < 0.01). Furthermore, there were more follicles, oocytes collected and fertilized, and pregnancies in patients with maximum expression of VEGF, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that VEGF may be important for vascular development during follicular growth and luteal differentiation, oocyte maturation, and fertilization.
Doldi
N
N
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Milan, H. San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Italy.
Bassan
M
M
Fusi
F M
FM
Ferrari
A
A
D015152:Blotting, Northern; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D004958:Estradiol / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D015870:Gene Expression; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D010053:Ovary / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011374:Progesterone / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol