Adiponectin isoform distribution in serum and in follicular fluid of women undergoing treatment by ICSI.
OBJECTIVE
Adiponectin is an adipokine, present in the circulation in comparatively high concentrations and different molecular weight isoforms. For the first time, the distribution of these isoforms in serum and follicular fluid (FF) and their usefulness as biological markers for infertility investigations was studied.


METHODS
In vitro study.


METHODS
University based hospital.


METHODS
Fifty-four women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).


METHODS
Oocytes were retrieved, fertilized in vitro using ICSI, and the resulting embryos transferred. Serum was collected immediately prior to oocyte retrieval. Adiponectin isoforms (high molecular weight (HMW), medium and low molecular weight) were determined in serum and FF. Total adiponectin and the different isoform levels were compared with leptin and ovarian steroid concentrations.


METHODS
Adiponectin isoforms in serum and FF.


RESULTS
Adiponectin isoform distribution differed between serum and FF; the HMW fraction made up half of all adiponectin in the serum but only 23.3% in the FF. Total and HMW adiponectin in both serum and FF correlated negatively with the body mass index and the concentration of leptin. No correlations were observed for total adiponectin or its isoforms with estradiol, progesterone, anti-Mullerian hormone, inhibin B, or the total follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) dose administered during the ovarian stimulation phase.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows for the first time that adiponectin isoform distribution varies between the serum and FF compartments in gonadotropin stimulated patients. A trend towards higher HMW adiponectin serum levels in successful ICSI cycles compared to implantation failures was observed; studies with larger patient groups are required to confirm this observation.
Bersinger
Nick A
NA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Endometriosis and Human Reproduction, University of Berne, DKF Murtenstrasse 35, Berne, Switzerland. nick.bersinger@dkf.unibe.ch
Wunder
Dorothea M
DM
D052242:Adiponectin / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D000328:Adult; D054304:Anti-Mullerian Hormone / Q000032:analysis; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004958:Estradiol / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000628:therapy*; D007265:Inhibins / Q000032:analysis; D020738:Leptin / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D054315:Oocyte Retrieval; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011374:Progesterone / Q000032:analysis; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic
D052242:Adiponectin; D015415:Biomarkers; D020738:Leptin; D020033:Protein Isoforms; C422364:inhibin B; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007265:Inhibins; D054304:Anti-Mullerian Hormone