Ovarian androgens but not estrogens correlate with the degree of systemic inflammation observed during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the behavior and association of serum androgen and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for in vitro fertilization (IVF).


METHODS
Prospective, observational study.Setting. An IVF unit of an academic medical center.


METHODS
Blood was drawn three times during the COH cycle from 15 patients undergoing the long gonadotropin-releasing hormone-analog protocol: the day on which adequate suppression was obtained (Day-S); the day of or prior to administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (Day-hCG); and the day of ovum pick-up (Day-OPU). Levels of sex steroids and serum CRP were compared among the three time points.


RESULTS
There was a significant increase in serum ovarian androgen levels during gonadotropin treatment. After hCG administration, there was a significant increase in the levels of both serum CRP and ovarian androgens (testosterone, androstenedione), with no significant change in adrenal androgen (dehydroepiandrosterone). Significant correlations were observed between CRP and ovarian androgen levels but not with dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate or estradiol levels.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients undergoing COH for IVF, ovarian androgen levels increase in correlation with the degree of inflammation, as reflected by CRP levels. Further studies are necessary to elucidate whether androgens play a role in or are predictive of the systemic inflammatory response in COH.
Orvieto
Raoul
R
Department of Obstertrics and Gynecology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel. raoulo@barzi.health.gov.il
Fisch
Naama
N
Yulzari-Roll
Vered
V
La Marca
Antonio
A
D000328:Adult; D000735:Androstenedione / Q000097:blood*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004967:Estrogens / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000819:agonists; D006801:Humans; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism*; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood*
D004967:Estrogens; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D013739:Testosterone; D000735:Androstenedione; D002097:C-Reactive Protein