Abstract
Objective: The relationship between fertilization rates and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3), 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25(OH)D2), 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25(OH)2D3), and 25-hydroxy-3epi-Vitamin D3 (3epi25(OH)D3) concentrations in age and weight matched women with and without PCOS was studied.Methods: Fifty nine non-obese women, 29 with PCOS, and 30 non-PCOS undergoing IVF, matched for age and weight were included. Serum vitamin D metabolites were taken the menstrual cycle prior to commencing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.Results: Vitamin D metabolites did not differ between PCOS and controls; however, 25(OH)D3 correlated with embryo fertilization rates in PCOS patients alone (p = 0.03). For all subjects, 3epi25(OH)D3 correlated with fertilization rate (p < 0.04) and negatively with HOMA-IR (p < 0.02); 25(OH)D2 correlated with cleavage rate, G3D3 and blastocyst (p < 0.05; p < 0.009; p < 0.002, respectively). 24,25(OH)2D3 correlated with AMH, antral follicle count, eggs retrieved and top quality embryos (G3D3) (p < 0.03; p < 0.003; p < 0.009; p < 0.002, respectively), and negatively with HOMA-IR (p < 0.01). 1,25(OH)2D3 did not correlate with any of the metabolic or embryo parameters. In slim PCOS, 25(OH)D3 correlated with increased fertilization rates in PCOS, but other vitamin D parameters did not differ to matched controls.Conclusion: 3epi25(OH)D3, 25(OH)D2, and 24,25(OH)2D3, but not 1,25(OH)2D3, were associated with embryo parameters suggesting that vitamin D metabolites other than 1,25(OH)2D3 are important in fertility.
Highlights
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders amongst women of reproductive age affecting 9–21% of the female population and is the main cause of anovulatory infertility [1]
Vitamin D metabolites did not differ between PCOS and controls; 25(OH)D3 correlated with embryo fertilization rates in PCOS patients alone (p = 0.03)
There were significant differences in ovarian reserve parameters antral follicle count (AFC) and anti-Mullerian Hormone, (AMH), and androgen status between the groups, there was no significant difference in fasting insulin, HOMA-insulin resistance (IR) or the vitamin D metabolites (Table 1)
Summary
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders amongst women of reproductive age affecting 9–21% of the female population and is the main cause of anovulatory infertility [1]. It is associated with clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance (IR) in PCOS is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypercholestrolemia [2]. IR itself is both independent of and exacerbated by obesity and is present in 65–80% of women with PCOS [6] and may be improved by vitamin D replacement [7]. Obesity can exacerbate vitamin D deficiency, as a result of decreased bioavailability from cutaneous and dietary sources because of deposition in the body fat compartments [13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
