Effects of Follicular Fluid Cytokines on In Vitro Fertilization and Transplantation

Dear Colleagues,

Infertility has become epidemic in the 21st century. According to WHO reports, 17% of couples have difficulty conceiving. The etiology of infertility is heterogeneous. Some causes are known (e.g., anovulation, obstruction of fallopian tubes, male factor, etc.). There are also cases of infertility causes that remain undetermined. It is postulated that there is a correlation between infertility and endocrine, neurological and immunological disorders [1,2].

A balance within the immune system is essential for the proper development of the ovarian follicles. The follicular fluid, which is the natural environment for the maturing ovum, contains numerous substances such as growth factors (VEGF), TNF-α, cytokines (interleukins), prostaglandins, steroid hormones, macrophages, NK cells and lymphocytes.

Undoubtedly, cytokines promote proper oocyte maturation, timely follicle rupture and neoangiogenesis. They indirectly contribute to the supply of oxygen, nutrients and substrates for subsequent steroidogenesis [3].

Analysis of the cytokine and hormonal profile of follicular fluid (FF) in natural and stimulated physiological cycles is crucial in assessing the role of FF in follicle development [4].

The central role of cytokines suggests that any modulation during follicle development and oocyte maturation may have a significant impact on the development of physiological conditions for fertilization. Expanding the knowledge on the role of various cytokines in individual phases of the cycle and follicular maturation may ultimately help in determining an individual approach to fertility treatment [5].

Literature

1. Gade, E.J.; Thomsen, S.F.; Lindenberg, S.; Backer, V. Fertility outcomes in asthma: a clinical study of 245 women with unexplained infertility. Eur. Respir. J. 2016, 47, 1144–1151, https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.01389-2015.
2. Jensen-Jarolim, E.; Untersmayr, E. Gender-medicine aspects in allergology. Allergy 2008, 63, 610–615, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2008.01645.x.
3. Baskind, N.E.; Orsi, N.M.; Sharma, V. Follicular-phase ovarian follicular fluid and plasma cytokine profiling of natural cycle in vitro fertilization patients. Fertil. Steril. 2014, 102, 410–418, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.04.032.
4. Piccinni, M.-P.; Vicenti, R.; Logiodice, F.; Fabbri, R.; Kullolli, O.; Pallecchi, M.; Paradisi, R.; Danza, G.; Macciocca, M.; Lombardelli, L.; et al. Description of the Follicular Fluid Cytokine and Hormone Profiles in Human Physiological Natural Cycles. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 2020, 106, e721–e738, https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgaa880.
5. Adamczak, R.; Ukleja-Sokołowska, N.; Lis, K.; Bartuzi, Z.; Dubiel, M. Assessment of RANTES, MIP4A, MMP7, MMP9, MMP14, TIMP 1, TIMP 2 and TIMP 3 concentration in the follicular fluid of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer procedure. Adv. Dermatol. Allergol. 2022, 39, 119–125, https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2022.124304.

Assessment of RANTES, MIP4A, MMP7, MMP9, MMP14, TIMP 1, TIMP 2 and TIMP 3 concentration in the follicular fluid of patients undergoing IVF/ET procedure. Adv Dermatol Allergol 202319 Jan 2023, 40(1):119-125 PMID: 36909896 PMCID: PMC9993207 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2022.124304.

Prof. Dr. Mariusz Dubiel
Collection Editor

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• follicular fluid
• cytokines
• oocyte maturation
• infertility