Follicular fluid insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 and -3 vary as a function of ovarian reserve and ovarian stimulation.
OBJECTIVE
Follicular fluid concentrations of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, IGF-II, IGF-binding protein (BP)-1, and IGFBP-3 in 57 women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer were examined to determine whether levels reflected differences in patients' exposure to gonadotropin stimulation and a diminished ovarian reserve.


METHODS
Preovulatory follicular fluid was obtained from both gonadotropin-stimulated and unstimulated cycles. Subjects were grouped according to normal or decreased ovarian reserve and whether or not they received gonadotropin stimulation.


RESULTS
The mean follicular fluid concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP-1 were significantly lower in the "decreased" ovarian reserve group compared with the "normal" ovarian reserve group, with no change in estradiol or IGF-II levels. This resulted in a decreased molar IGF-I: BP ratio and an increased molar IGF-II:IGFBP-1 ratio. In unstimulated cycles, mean follicular fluid concentrations of IGFs did not differ significantly compared with those in stimulated cycles, whereas concentrations of IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 were significantly lower, leading to higher molar ratios of the IGFs to the binding proteins.


CONCLUSIONS
Follicular fluid IGF and binding proteins vary as a function of ovarian reserve and gonadotropin stimulation. This may reflect either differences in oocyte quality or a suboptimal follicular fluid environment.
Stadtmauer
L
L
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA.
Vidali
A
A
Lindheim
S R
SR
Sauer
M V
MV
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000494:pharmacology; D004958:Estradiol / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000494:pharmacology; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D018970:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1 / Q000032:analysis*; D018972:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 / Q000032:analysis*; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000032:analysis*; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II / Q000032:analysis; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000494:pharmacology; D010050:Ovarian Function Tests; D010053:Ovary / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010060:Ovulation; D010062:Ovulation Induction
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D018970:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1; D018972:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; D004958:Estradiol; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; D016729:Leuprolide