Secretion of inhibin B during ovarian stimulation is decreased in infertile women with endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the levels and pattern of inhibin B secretion during ovarian stimulation in patients with endometriosis and to evaluate the correlation between inhibin B levels and variables of follicular and oocyte development.


METHODS
Retrospective cohort study.


METHODS
IVF center.


METHODS
Women with endometriosis (n = 20) and tubal factor (n = 10) as the only cause of infertility.


METHODS
Inhibin B levels were measured during gonadotropin stimulation on day 1, days 8-11, day of hCG administration, and oocyte retrieval.


METHODS
Patterns and levels of inhibin B secretion were compared in the two groups. Other variables analyzed were age, days of gonadotropin stimulation and total ampules used, oocytes retrieved, and the fertilization and pregnancy rate.


RESULTS
Inhibin B levels and number of oocytes retrieved were significantly lower in patients with endometriosis than in the control group. Two patterns of inhibin B secretion were noted: It peaked in the midfollicular phase or on the day of hCG administration. In contrast, E2 levels peaked on the day of hCG administration. Inhibin B in the midfollicular phase in both groups correlated positively with number of oocytes retrieved. In addition, E2 and inhibin B levels in the midfollicular phase correlated positively.


CONCLUSIONS
Decreased inhibin B secretion in patients with endometriosis suggests impaired granulosa cell function. Inhibin B may serve as an alternate marker to assess follicular development or to predict the number of oocytes retrieved.
Dokras
A
A
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. anuja-dokras@iowa.edu
Habana
A
A
Giraldo
J
J
Jones
E
E
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D007265:Inhibins / Q000378:metabolism*; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting
D015415:Biomarkers; D004958:Estradiol; D007265:Inhibins