E-selectin, resistin and reactive oxygen species levels in GnRH -agonist and -antagonist protocols in IVF/ICSI: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

To compare E-selectin, resistin and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in serum and follicular fluid (FF) of subfertile women undergoing Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH) during IVF/ICSI cycles, using GnRH-agonist and -antagonist protocols. In this prospective cohort study, 85 subfertile women undergoing IVF/ICSI were included. Participants underwent the GnRH-agonist and -antagonist protocols; and blood samples were collected at three time points: basic (at start of COH), on the day of hCG and at oocyte retrieval (OR); and from the FF from the first follicle aspirate. Clinical and IVF cycle characteristics, were compared between groups, together with the levels of E-selectin, resistin and ROS in serum and FF, through ELISA. Their prognostic value on pregnancy outcomes was examined. Examining molecules levels are increasing in serum, from start of COH until OR, irrespectively of the protocol used; FF levels at OR were similar to those in serum at that day. Resistin FF levels were lower in GnRH agonists, compared with the antagonist protocol. Resistin levels at start of COH were associated with clinical pregnancy rates, and this remained significant following adjustment for age, BMI and IVF protocol used, while values of >13.5ng/ml were associated with a six times greater odd of a pregnancy. E-selectin, resistin and ROS levels are increasing during COH, reaching their highest values at OR, with comparable values measured in the FF at that time. Resistin values >13.5ng/ml are linked with a 6-fold increase on the odds of a pregnancy.