Follicular-fluid neurotrophin levels in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology for different etiologies of infertility.
OBJECTIVE
To determine follicular-fluid neurotrophin levels in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques for different etiologies of infertility.


METHODS
Prospective observational study.


METHODS
Academically affiliated assisted reproductive techniques unit.


METHODS
One hundred six patients undergoing an IVF cycle for different etiologies of infertility.


METHODS
Assessment of follicular fluid for neurotrophins.


METHODS
Follicular-fluid neurotrophin concentrations.


RESULTS
Women with a history of endometriosis have significantly lower follicular-fluid brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels compared with women with male-factor (control) infertility. Women with diminished ovarian reserve have significantly higher levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) compared with women with male-factor infertility. Follicular-fluid BDNF levels tend to be lower in patients with endometriosis and diminished ovarian reserve and to be higher in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Interestingly, NGF concentrations follow the opposite trend. Finally, follicular-fluid NT-3 concentrations are similar in women with different etiologies of infertility.


CONCLUSIONS
Endometriosis is associated with low follicular-fluid BDNF levels, and diminished ovarian reserve is associated with increased follicular-fluid NGF levels.
Buyuk
Erkan
E
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA.
Seifer
David B
DB
D000328:Adult; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000032:analysis; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor / Q000032:analysis; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000032:analysis*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor