Cycle dependency of intrauterine vascular endothelial growth factor levels is correlated with decidualization and corpus luteum function.
OBJECTIVE
To determine intrauterine levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A during the menstrual cycle in the human female and to investigate the impact of decidualization and corpus luteum function.


METHODS
Prospective clinical study.


METHODS
Tertiary university center.


METHODS
Fifty-four women with infertility problems.


METHODS
Intrauterine concentrations of VEGF-A were determined at various time points during the secretory phase using a novel intrauterine microdialysis device. Concomitantly, intrauterine insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-1 levels served as a paracrine parameter for decidualization. Serum progesterone (P) and E(2) levels were determined as markers for corpus luteum function. Intrauterine VEGF levels.


RESULTS
The VEGF levels in utero were clearly cycle dependent with increasing levels during the late secretory and premenstrual phases. There was a significant correlation with the decidualization marker IGFBP-1. In contrast, intrauterine VEGF levels showed a significant negative correlation with serum E(2) and P.


CONCLUSIONS
Intrauterine VEGF levels are regulated in a cycle-dependent way. Increasing levels in the late secretory phase are clearly correlated with decidualization. In contrast, decreasing serum levels of steroids produced by the regressing corpus luteum are less likely to be responsible for increasing VEGF levels in the premenstrual phase.
Licht
Peter
P
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany. peter.licht@med.uni-tuenbingen.de
Russu
Vassili
V
Lehmeyer
Silke
S
Wissentheit
Tanja
T
Siebzehnrübl
Ernst
E
Wildt
Ludwig
L
D003338:Corpus Luteum / Q000502:physiology*; D003656:Decidua / Q000502:physiology*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism*
D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol