[Measurement of macrophage colony-stimulating factor during in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer cycles].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the influences of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) on follicle development, ovulation, fertilization and embryo quality during in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles.


METHODS
36 patients underwent 54 cycles of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist-human menopausal goudotropin-human chorionic gonadotropin for IVF-ET program. M-CSF concentrations in serum were measured at early follicular phase, mid-follicular phase and the day of oocyte retrieval by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Follicular fluid (FF) on the day of egg retrieval was also measured for M-CSF concentration.


RESULTS
M-CSF concentration in serum gradually increased throughout ovarian hyperstimulation and reached a peak on the day of oocyte retrieval. M-CSF concentration in FF was significantly higher than that in serum on the same day (P < 0.01). The M-CSF concentration in FF from follicles where oocytes could be retrieved, fertilized or with a diameter > or 16 mm, volume > or 2 ml, was significantly higher than those from follicles where oocyte could not be retrieved, fertilized or with a diameter < 16 mm, volume < 2 ml, respectively (P < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in M-CSF concentration of FF between high and low embryo grade groups (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
M-CSF may play an important role as an intraovarian regulator in the process of follicle development, maturation and ovulation. Therefore, M-CSF may exert an effect on fertilization process but not on the embryo quality.
Quan
S
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, The First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
Wan
L
L
Song
L
L
D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000628:therapy; D016173:Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000097:blood*; D008596:Menotropins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000502:physiology; D010060:Ovulation
D008596:Menotropins; D016173:Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor