Correlation between follicular fluid 25-OH vitamin D and assisted reproductive outcomes.
BACKGROUND
Vitamin D in complex with its receptor by regulating gene expression, endometrium immune response and stimulation of endometrium decidualization can be involved in implantation. So, it seems that the amount of vitamin D in follicular fluids (FF) may have an association with ART success.


OBJECTIVE
First, we intended to investigate the possible association between levels of follicular fluids 25-OH vitamin D with assisted reproductive outcomes. Second, we examined relationship between 25-OH vitamin D levels with number and quality of oocytes.


METHODS
In a prospective study, 80 infertile female candidates for IVF/ICSI were enrolled. Blood samples (on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration) and follicular fluids were taken, and then levels of serum estradiol and follicular fluids 25-OH vitamin D were measured. Also clinical characteristics of patients (duration of infertility, causes of infertility, menstrual status), number and quality of oocytes, number of fertilized oocytes, estradiol levels, and clinical pregnancy were evaluated.


RESULTS
Concentration of FF 25-OH vitamin D in pregnant women was significantly higher than non-pregnant women (p=0.007) but there were no significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI), duration of infertility, menstrual status, number of oocytes, oocytes quality, number of fertilized oocytes, and serum estradiol levels between the two groups. Statistically positive correlation was found between 25-OH vitamin D levels with patient age and implantation rate (r=0.264, p=0.018 and r=0.301, p=0.007 respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
The obtained results suggest that vitamin D without affecting the number and quality of oocytes can independently improve implantation rate and IVF outcome.
Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Laya
L
Farzadi
Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Homa
H
Khayatzadeh Bidgoli
Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Morteza
M
Ghojazadeh
Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Zahra
Z
Bahrami
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Amir
A
Fattahi
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Zeinab
Z
Latifi
Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Vahideh
V
Shahnazi
Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Mohammad
M
Nouri
Embryo implantation; In vitro fertilization; Outcome; Vitamin D