Follicular fluid-specific distribution of vascular endothelial growth factor isoforms and sFlt-1 in patients undergoing IVF and their correlation with treatment outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the distribution of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoforms and soluble form of VEGF receptor 1 (sFlt-1) in the follicular fluid (FF) of in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients in relationship to age, body mass index (BMI), diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and their correlation with IVF outcomes.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
VEGF( 121) and VEGF(165) isoforms were detected using Western blotting and pixel density analysis. The concentration of sFlt-1 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In vitro fertilization outcomes measured included number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, and clinical pregnancy. Statistical analysis used the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test where appropriate.


RESULTS
There was a statistically significant association between higher VEGF(165) levels and the diagnosis of PCOS, BMI ≥ 30, and age ≥40 years. In vitro fertilization cycles resulting in pregnancy were linked to statistically lower VEGF(165) levels in the FF. No statistically significant trend was identified in levels of VEGF(121) or sFlt-1 relative to patient characteristics or IVF outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that elevated VEGF(165) levels are associated with less favorable patient characteristics and clinical IVF outcomes.
Savchev
Stefan I
SI
Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Moragianni
Vasiliki A
VA
Senger
Donald
D
Penzias
Alan S
AS
Thornton
Kim
K
Usheva
Anny
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000378:metabolism; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D040281:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D055815:Young Adult
D015415:Biomarkers; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; C501162:FLT1 protein, human; D040281:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1