Abstract
Iron status may influence the outcome of infertile women under the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique of in vitro fertilization (IVF). The aim of this study is to evaluate iron status and ceruloplasmin ferroxidase activity in the follicular fluid (FF) and their association with IVF outcomes. The study enrolled fertile women with male cause infertility (n=25), infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS; n=21), infertile women with low AMH level (n=26), and women with unexplained infertility (UI; n=27), all undergoing IVF/ICSI. On the day of oocyte suction, the selection of FF samples was accomplished. Iron, ferritin, and transferrin levels, as well as ceruloplasmin (CP) ferroxidase activity, were measured in the FF. In the PCOS group, iron showed significantly higher level (P<0.05) as compared to the control and UI groups. In the PCOS group, ferritin showed significantly higher level (P<0.05) compared with the control group. In the PCOS group, transferrin showed significantly higher level (P<0.05) when compared with the UI group. Also, Cp. ferroxidase activity in the PCOS group showed a lower level, but non-significant difference, compared with the other groups. In conclusion, the increased iron level in the follicular fluid of women with PCOS may lead to decrease pregnancy success after applying IVF protocol.
Highlights
Infertility results from the reproductive system diseases that impair the ability of the body basic reproductive function
The present study showed a significantly higher number (P
A significantly higher number (P
Summary
Infertility results from the reproductive system diseases that impair the ability of the body basic reproductive function. Theca and granulosa cells from the secondary follicles secrete a fluid that accumulates in the antral cavity or “antrum”, which eventually surrounds the oocyte [3]. Such fluid is the product of blood filtration through the theca and additional secretions from both the theca and the granulosa layers, and it is called follicular fluid (FF) [1, 3]. Cumulus cells surrounding the oocyte nurture it with essential compounds obtained from the FF. The communication between mural granulosa cells and cumulus cells is achieved through secretions of extracellular vesicles to the FF. Variations in FF composition may affect oocyte development directly or indirectly [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
