Circulating levels of nitric oxide in successful and unsuccessful implantation after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Relationship to estradiol and progesterone.
BACKGROUND
Nitric oxide (NO) may play an important role in embryo implantation and early embryo development. This study investigated the potential role of circulating nitric oxide (NO) measurement to predict the outcome of implantation and pregnancy after IVF and ET.


METHODS
Two blood samples were collected from 237 IVF patients on days 13-14 and 20-21 after ET. Serum concentration of nitrite/nitrate (the two stable oxidation products of NO metabolism), estradiol (E2), progesterone and beta-hCG were measured on days 13-14 after ET and one week later.


RESULTS
No significant differences were found with respect to nitrite/nitrate serum concentrations in conception versus non-conception cycles, viable versus abnormal pregnancies, and viable pregnancy group versus non-conception cycles, respectively, despite that significant differences were observed regarding E2 and progesterone values. Nitrite/nitrate serum concentrations were similar for singleton and multiple pregnancies at both study points. In viable pregnancies, no significant change was observed for nitrite/nitrate serum concentration from days 13-14 to 20-21 after ET. No correlation was found between nitrite/nitrate serum concentration and E2 or progesterone serum levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Circulating levels of nitrite/nitrate are similar in successful and unsuccessful implantation after IVF and are unrelated to the outcome of pregnancy. This precludes the use of serum NO measurement as a marker of implantation and successful pregnancy in IVF.
Fábregues
F
F
Institut Clinic of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Hosptial Clínic-Institute d'Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi i Sunyer IDIBAPS, Spain.
Balasch
J
J
Manau
D
D
Creus
M
M
Jiménez
W
W
Carmona
F
F
Casamitjana
R
R
Vanrell
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004958:Estradiol / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000097:blood*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011374:Progesterone / Q000032:analysis*
D015415:Biomarkers; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol