Concentrations of angiogenic factors in follicular fluid and oocyte-cumulus complex culture medium from women undergoing in vitro fertilization: association with oocyte maturity and fertilization.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the concentration of angiogenic factors (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], basic fibroblast growth factor [bFGF], and angiogenin) in the follicular fluid (FF) and oocyte-cumulus complex culture medium (CM) of women undergoing IVF and to investigate the association of the concentrations with the maturity and fertilization of the oocyte.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Academic tertiary-care institution.


METHODS
IVF patients with unexplained or tubal factor infertility.


METHODS
Analysis of VEGF, bFGF, and angiogenin FF and CM concentrations.


METHODS
Oocyte maturity and fertilization and FF and CM angiogenic factor concentrations.


RESULTS
VEGF, bFGF, and angiogenin were determined in FF and CM. FF angiogenin concentrations were significantly higher when the oocyte was mature versus immature. CM VEGF concentrations were significantly higher when the oocyte was nonfertilized versus fertilized. Positive correlations were observed between angiogenic factors in CM.


CONCLUSIONS
VEGF, bFGF, and angiogenin (determined for the first time) are secreted in the FF and CM. Elevated CM VEGF concentrations, probably implying oocyte-cumulus complex hypoxia, are negatively associated with oocyte fertilization. Elevated FF angiogenin concentrations are positively associated with oocyte maturity, possibly indicating angiogenin's biological role beyond neovascularization.
Malamitsi-Puchner
A
A
Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Sarandakou
A
A
Baka
S G
SG
Tziotis
J
J
Rizos
D
D
Hassiakos
D
D
Creatsas
G
G
D000328:Adult; D016922:Cellular Senescence / Q000502:physiology; D003470:Culture Media / Q000737:chemistry; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization / Q000502:physiology; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D009865:Oocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012259:Ribonuclease, Pancreatic / Q000378:metabolism*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D003470:Culture Media; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; C046366:angiogenin; D012259:Ribonuclease, Pancreatic