Interleukin-1beta and interleukin-1alpha may affect the implantation rate of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) affect the implantation rate of patients undergoing IVF-ET.


METHODS
Follicular fluid and serum were obtained on the day of hCG administration, the day of oocyte retrieval, and the day of embryo transfer.


METHODS
Cellular immunology laboratory in a research institute, a high technology IVF unit in a medical center, and a university hospital.


METHODS
Thirty-three women who were undergoing IVF-ET.


METHODS
IL-1beta and IL-1alpha were measured by specific ELISA and their levels were correlated with the implantation rate.


RESULTS
Classification of IVF-ET patients according to their implantation rate revealed significantly higher amounts of follicular fluid IL-1beta in the implantation versus nonimplantation cycles (68.5+/-24.6 pg/mL versus 20.5+/-13.4 pg/mL); The difference between the level of IL-1alpha in the two groups was not statistically significant(11.6+/-5.1 pg/mL versus 7.3+/-1.9 pg/mL). In parallel, systemic FSH/hMG-dependent IL-1beta and IL-1alpha production was observed in implantation cycles but not in nonimplantation cycles. Statistically significant IL-1beta and IL-1alpha production was observed after administration of hCG.


CONCLUSIONS
Gonadotropins used during IVF-ET induce local and systemic production of IL-1beta and IL-1alpha. In addition, the implantation rate for IVF-ET patients who have detectable serum concentrations of IL-1beta and IL-1beta on the day of hCG administration could be higher than the rate for IVF-ET patients who do not have detectable concentrations of these cytokines.
Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece. eldokiko@internet.gr
E E
EE
Karagouni
A
A
Chryssikopoulos
T
T
Mantzavinos
N
N
Kanakas
E N
EN
Dotsika
D000328:Adult; D016922:Cellular Senescence / Q000502:physiology; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology*; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004958:Estradiol / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000502:physiology*; D010053:Ovary / Q000502:physiology*; D018873:Pregnancy Rate
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D007375:Interleukin-1; D004958:Estradiol