Background. The natural cycle is the prototype to which we aspire to emulate in assisted reproduction techniques. Increasing\nevidence is emerging that controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) with exogenous gonadotropins may be detrimental to\noogenesis, embryo quality, and endometrial receptivity.This research aimed at assessing the impact of COH on the intrafollicular\nmilieu by comparing follicular fluid (FF) cytokine profiles during stimulated in vitro fertilization (IVF) and modified natural\ncycle (MNC) IVF. Methods. Ten women undergoing COH IVF and 10 matched women undergoing MNC IVF were recruited\nfor this pilot study. 40 FF cytokine concentrations from individual follicles and plasma were measured by fluid-phase multiplex\nimmunoassay. Demographic/cycle/cytokine data were compared and correlations between cytokines were computed. Results. No\nsignificant differences were found between COHandMNC groups for patient and cycle demographics, including outcome. Overall\nmean FF cytokine levels were higher in the MNC group for 29/40 cytokines, significantly so for leukaemia inhibitory factor\nand stromal cell-derived factor-1????. Furthermore, FF MNC cytokine correlations were significantly stronger than for COH data.\nConclusions.These findings suggest that COH perturbs intrafollicular cytokine networks, in terms of both cytokine levels and their\ninterrelationships. This may impact oocyte maturation/fertilization and embryo developmental competence.
Loading....