Serum levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 in in vitro fertilization cycles

Abstract

To assess whether gonadotropin-induced changes in E(2) alter serum levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and proinflammatory cytokines. Prospective collection of serum in patients undergoing IVF. University hospital. Twenty-four infertile women. Serum collection at baseline, in the mid and late follicular phases, at oocyte retrieval, and in the mid and late luteal phases. Samples were assayed for sVCAM-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and E(2). The VCAM-1 was maximally suppressed in the luteal phase. Luteal sVCAM-1 levels correlated [1] positively with the patient's age, units of gonadotropins, day 3 FSH levels and [2] negatively with [a] the follicular, retrieval, and luteal E(2) levels and [b] the number of preovulatory follicles and oocytes retrieved. Similar correlations were noted in the late luteal phase. Serum TNF-alpha reached a peak in the mid-follicular phase and a nadir in the luteal phase. The TNF-alpha levels at retrieval correlated [1] positively with the patient's age and [2] negatively with E(2) and number of preovulatory follicles and retrieved oocytes. The IL-6 levels were suppressed in the follicular phase and correlated negatively with E(2) levels. Changes in E(2) levels seen during gonadotropin stimulation significantly alter VCAM-1 expression and induce changes in serum IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels.