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Publications

Journal Article Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Ppublish 6 citations

PubMed: 34738218 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00757-2

A Case-Control Study of Follicular Fluid Cytokine Profiles in Women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve.

Reprod Sci 29(9):2515-2524

Authors: Sina Abhari, Jingqiao Lu, Heather S Hipp, Brianne Petritis, Sabrina A Gerkowicz, Quinton S Katler, Haw-Han Yen, Yingqing Mao, Hao Tang, Weirong Shang, Laurie J McKenzie, Alicia K Smith, Ruo-Pan Huang, Anna K Knight

Affiliations

  • Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Emory University School of Medicine, 550 Peachtree Street, NE Suite 1800, Atlanta, GA, 30308, USA.
  • RayBiotech Life, Inc, 3607 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners, GA, 30092, USA.
  • IVF MD, 9960 Central Park Boulevard, Boca Raton, FL, 33428, USA.
  • Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
  • Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Research, Emory University School of Medicine, Woodruff Memorial Research Building, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
  • Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Research, Emory University School of Medicine, Woodruff Memorial Research Building, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.

Abstract

Ovarian reserve is an important determinant of a woman's reproductive potential, and women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) often seek in vitro fertilization (IVF). The underlying etiology of DOR is unknown, but follicular fluid cytokine concentrations likely play a role in follicular development and maturation. The present study seeks to investigate the expression of cytokines in follicular fluid (FF) of women with DOR undergoing IVF and explore correlated functional pathways. One hundred ninety-four women undergoing ovarian stimulation were recruited at the time of oocyte retrieval. Women were classified as having DOR if they met one or more of the following criteria: AMH < 1 ng/ml, FSH > 10 mIU/ml, and/or AFC < 10. Controls included women undergoing IVF for male factor, tubal factor due to tubal ligation, or planned oocyte cryopreservation (non-oncologic). The concentrations of 480 cytokines and related growth factors in follicular fluid were determined using a multiplex immunoassay. Fifty-nine cytokines had significantly different concentrations (53 higher and 6 lower) in the DOR relative to the control group after adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI) (false discovery rate; FDR < 0.1). Using the most informative 44 biomarkers as indicated by a random forest (RF) model, an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.78 was obtained. Thus, follicular microenvironment differs between women with DOR and normal ovarian reserve. The differentially expressed cytokines belong to diverse processes that are primarily involved in follicular maturation and ovulation. These changes may play an important role in treatment outcomes in women with DOR.

MeSH

Cytokines, Reproduction, Case-Control Studies, Ovary, Ovarian Reserve, Oocytes, Follicular Fluid

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