Putative predictors of antibodies against follicle-stimulating hormone in female infertility: a study based on in vitro fertilization patients.
OBJECTIVE
We have previously demonstrated the presence of naturally occurring antibodies against follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in patients with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Here, we investigated the parameters associated with anti-FSH antibodies in in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients.


METHODS
The following parameters were studied in 135 patients: peripheral FSH levels, FSH beta-subunit gene (FSHB) haplotypes, history of previous IVF, and susceptibility to autoimmune reactions in general [seven common autoantibodies (against nuclear antigens on human and rodent substrates, smooth muscle, gastric parietal cells, beta2-glycoprotein I, cardiolipin, and thyroid peroxidase) and HLA-DQB1 alleles].


RESULTS
Although the anti-FSH levels were higher in patients when compared with controls, those higher levels were not associated with FSHB haplotypes. The anti-FSH IgM associated with (i) the levels of FSH in women with male and tubal factor infertility; (ii) the history of IVF in patients with PCOS, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility; and (iii) the production of common autoantibodies among all IVF patients. The anti-FSH IgA associated with HLA-DQB1*03. The anti-FSH IgG correlated with the values of anti-FSH IgA and IgM.


CONCLUSIONS
Anti-FSH may be naturally occurring antibodies associated with peripheral FSH concentrations, but increased in infertile women with dysregulation of immune reactions and repeatedly performed IVF.
Haller
Kadri
K
Department of Immunology, Institute of General and Molecular Pathology, Centre of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Biomedicum, Ravila Str. 19, Tartu 50411, Estonia.
Salumets
Andres
A
Grigorova
Marina
M
Talja
Ija
I
Salur
Liina
L
Béné
Marie Christine
MC
Laan
Maris
M
Uibo
Raivo
R
D000328:Adult; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D037201:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit / Q000235:genetics; D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens / Q000235:genetics; D059866:HLA-DQ beta-Chains; D006239:Haplotypes; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000276:immunology*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
D001323:Autoantibodies; D001324:Autoantigens; D037201:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit; D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens; D059866:HLA-DQ beta-Chains; C069051:HLA-DQB1 antigen; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone