Interleukin-1β and interleukin-1α may affect the implantation rate of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer

Abstract

Objective: To investigate whether interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-1α (IL-1α) affect the implantation rate of patients undergoing IVF-ET. Design: Follicular fluid and serum were obtained on the day of hCG administration, the day of oocyte retrieval, and the day of embryo transfer. Setting: Cellular immunology laboratory in a research institute, a high technology IVF unit in a medical center, and a university hospital. Patient(s): Thirty-three women who were undergoing IVF-ET. Main Outcome Measure(s): IL-1β and IL-1α were measured by specific ELISA and their levels were correlated with the implantation rate. Result(s): Classification of IVF-ET patients according to their implantation rate revealed significantly higher amounts of follicular fluid IL-1β in the implantation versus nonimplantation cycles (68.5 ± 24.6 pg/mL versus 20.5 ± 13.4 pg/mL); The difference between the level of IL-1α in the two groups was not statistically significant (11.6 ± 5.1 pg/mL versus 7.3 ± 1.9 pg/mL). In parallel, systemic FSH/hMG-dependent IL-1β and IL-1α production was observed in implantation cycles but not in nonimplantation cycles. Statistically significant IL-1β and IL-1α production was observed after administration of hCG. Conclusion(s): Gonadotropins used during IVF-ET induce local and systemic production of IL-1β and IL-1α. In addition, the implantation rate for IVF-ET patients who have detectable serum concentrations of IL-1β and IL-1α on the day of hCG administration could be higher than the rate for IVF-ET patients who do not have detectable concentrations of these cytokines.