Follicular fluid concentrations of interleukin-12 and interleukin-8 in IVF cycles.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-8 in the periovulatory follicular fluid during in vitro fertilization cycles.


METHODS
A prospective study.


METHODS
Reproductive Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women's Hospital, United Kingdom.


METHODS
Women undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment.


METHODS
IL-8 and IL-12 concentrations in follicular fluid samples that had been collected during transvaginal oocyte retrieval were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cytokine concentrations were correlated to fertilization rates and treatment outcome.


METHODS
Fertilization rates and ultrasonographic evidence of intrauterine pregnancy by 4 weeks after embryo transfer.


RESULTS
Failed fertilization in women with detectable IL-12 was significantly higher (45.5%) than in the IL-12 negative group (6.1%), P=.01. None of the women with detectable IL-12 achieved a pregnancy at the end of the treatment (P=.01). IL-8 was present in the follicular fluid of all women, and no difference in its concentrations was found between the pregnant and nonpregnant groups. No correlation was found between the follicular fluid concentrations of IL-8 and fertilization rates.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of IL-12 in the follicular fluid appears to be associated with a negative outcome in IVF treatment. Interleukin-8 appears to be an essential part of folliculogenesis, although its concentration is not associated with fertilization or implantation rates.
Gazvani
M R
MR
Reproductive Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom. m.r.gazvani@abdn.ac.uk
Bates
M
M
Vince
G
G
Christmas
S
S
Lewis-Jones
D I
DI
Kingsland
C
C
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000032:analysis*; D016209:Interleukin-8 / Q000032:analysis*; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017211:Treatment Failure; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal
D016209:Interleukin-8; D018664:Interleukin-12