Abstract
ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of cathepsin B, relaxin and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in follicular fluid (FF) with pregnancy rates in infertility patients. Study designSeventy-nine infertile couples who underwent ICSI were included in the study. The FF levels of cathepsin B, relaxin and AMH were measured using ELISA kits. ResultsThe FF cathepsin B levels were statistically higher in pregnant patients compared with non-pregnant patients (0.20±0.13 versus 0.13±0.03; P<0.001). There were statistically significant differences in the total number of oocytes (10.00±6.85 versus 5.96±3.94); the mean number of M2 oocytes (8.65±5.63 versus 4.58±3.36) between the pregnant and non-pregnant patients (P<0.05). There were no significant correlations between pregnancy rates and relaxin and AMH (P>0.05). The area under the curve of cathepsin B for prediction of pregnancy was 0.662 (p=0.024, 95% Confidence Interval 0.528–0.797). ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that increased level of cathepsin B in FF significantly correlates with a better chance of clinical pregnancy. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of cathepsin B in the reproductive process of humans.
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 callMore From: European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology
Disclaimer: 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.
