Putative predictors of antibodies against follicle-stimulating hormone in female infertility: a study based on in vitro fertilization patients

Am J Reprod Immunol. 2007 Mar;57(3):193-200. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2006.00462.x.

Abstract

Problem: We have previously demonstrated the presence of naturally occurring antibodies against follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in patients with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Here, we investigated the parameters associated with anti-FSH antibodies in in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients.

Methods of study: The following parameters were studied in 135 patients: peripheral FSH levels, FSH beta-subunit gene (FSHB) haplotypes, history of previous IVF, and susceptibility to autoimmune reactions in general [seven common autoantibodies (against nuclear antigens on human and rodent substrates, smooth muscle, gastric parietal cells, beta2-glycoprotein I, cardiolipin, and thyroid peroxidase) and HLA-DQB1 alleles].

Results: Although the anti-FSH levels were higher in patients when compared with controls, those higher levels were not associated with FSHB haplotypes. The anti-FSH IgM associated with (i) the levels of FSH in women with male and tubal factor infertility; (ii) the history of IVF in patients with PCOS, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility; and (iii) the production of common autoantibodies among all IVF patients. The anti-FSH IgA associated with HLA-DQB1*03. The anti-FSH IgG correlated with the values of anti-FSH IgA and IgM.

Conclusion: Anti-FSH may be naturally occurring antibodies associated with peripheral FSH concentrations, but increased in infertile women with dysregulation of immune reactions and repeatedly performed IVF.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoantibodies / blood*
  • Autoantibodies / immunology
  • Autoantigens / immunology
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro*
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / blood
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / immunology*
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit / genetics
  • HLA-DQ Antigens / genetics
  • HLA-DQ beta-Chains
  • Haplotypes
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A / blood
  • Immunoglobulin A / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Immunoglobulin M / immunology
  • Infertility, Female / immunology*
  • Logistic Models
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Autoantigens
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit
  • HLA-DQ Antigens
  • HLA-DQ beta-Chains
  • HLA-DQB1 antigen
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone