Vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors in male fertility.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor in the seminal fluid, the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors Flt-1 and KDR in spermatozoa, and the predictive value of seminal vascular endothelial growth factor on fertilization and the chance of pregnancy in patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or IVF.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis.


METHODS
Private institute (semen collection, IVF/ICSI) and academic research environment (analysis of seminal fluid and spermatozoa).


METHODS
Eighty men whose spermatozoa were subsequently used for IVF or ICSI.


METHODS
Seminal vascular endothelial growth factor was measured by an EIA. Spermatozoa were analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis and by immunocytochemistry.


METHODS
Oocyte fertilization rate, pregnancy rate, and presence of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors on spermatozoa.


RESULTS
Patients with a seminal concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor of 2-100 ng/mL had a sixfold increased chance of pregnancy. Vascular endothelial growth factor concentration and patient's age remained the only independent prognostic factors for pregnancy. The concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor did not correlate with indices of male factor infertility or with the oocyte fertilization rate. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (Flt-1, KDR) on spermatozoa was demonstrated.


CONCLUSIONS
The seminal concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor correlates with the chance of pregnancy in patients undergoing IVF or ICSI. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors Flt-1 and KDR were detected on spermatozoa for the first time.
Obermair
A
A
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Vienna, Austria. andreas.obermair@akh-wien.ac.at
Obruca
A
A
Pöhl
M
M
Kaider
A
A
Vales
A
A
Leodolter
S
S
Wojta
J
J
Feichtinger
W
W
D000328:Adult; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000032:analysis*; D017978:Receptors, Growth Factor / Q000032:analysis*; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry*; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D017978:Receptors, Growth Factor; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor