Concentrations of leptin and C-reactive protein in serum and follicular fluid during assisted reproductive cycles.
BACKGROUND
There are only a few studies that have investigated inflammatory processes during ovarian hyperstimulation, with contradictory results especially concerning outcome. The aim of the study was to investigate the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein and leptin in serum and follicular fluid and to correlate these with the outcome.


METHODS
One hundred and sixty-two gonadotrophin stimulated cycles were evaluated. Serum concentrations of leptin and C-reactive protein were measured at the initiation of stimulation, on the day of hCG administration or the day before, and on the day of oocyte retrieval. They were also determined in the follicular fluid.


RESULTS
Serum leptin and C-reactive protein levels increased significantly during stimulation until the day of oocyte pick up, but following different patterns. After stimulation, they correlated with each other in serum and follicular fluid, but not with estradiol or progesterone concentration, embryo quality, or the pregnancy rate.


CONCLUSIONS
Leptin and C-reactive protein levels change significantly during assisted reproductive treatment. In contrast to estradiol they are, however, not a marker of success.
Wunder
D M
DM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Berne, Switzerland. dorothea.wunder@insel.ch
Kretschmer
R
R
Bersinger
N A
NA
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D020738:Leptin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D008423:Maternal Age; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic / Q000379:methods; D013256:Steroids / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015415:Biomarkers; D020738:Leptin; D013256:Steroids; D004958:Estradiol; D002097:C-Reactive Protein