Concentrations of matrix metallopeptidase 9, interleukin 4, and interleukin 8 in follicular fluid, and the results of in vitro fertilization

J Int Med Res. 2022 Sep;50(9):3000605221125641. doi: 10.1177/03000605221125641.

Abstract

Objective: Cytokines and enzymes in follicular fluid (FF) may have a crucial role in fertility. This study aimed to analyse the results of in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF/ET) and compare them with matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and cytokine concentrations in FF.

Methods: This case-control study included 20 randomly selected patients with a positive pregnancy (PPG) test and 20 with a negative pregnancy (NPG) test after IVF/ET. In FF obtained during oocyte retrieval, the concentrations of soluble forms of MMP-9, interleukin 1 (IL-1) alpha, IL-1 beta, interferon gamma, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were measured. Their effect on the characteristics of follicles, embryos, and the efficiency of IVF and ET were analysed.

Results: High-sensitivity IL-4 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with a PPG test than in those with an NPG test (3.15 ± 3.23 vs 1.91 ± 0.35 pg/mL). The number of top-quality embryos achieved was significantly higher in patients with a PPG test than in those with an NPG test (2.6 ± 1.39 vs 1.75 ± 1.21), and they were negatively correlated with IL-8 concentrations in FF.

Conclusion: Further research on the role of IL-4 and IL-8 in FF is required to establish any clinical benefit of determining their concentrations in FF of infertile women.

Keywords: Cytokine; follicular fluid; immunology; infertility; interleukin-4; matrix metalloproteinase 9.

MeSH terms

  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro / methods
  • Follicular Fluid*
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female* / therapy
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Interleukin-10
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Interleukin-2
  • Interleukin-4
  • Interleukin-6
  • Interleukin-8
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Interleukin-2
  • Interleukin-6
  • Interleukin-8
  • Interleukin-10
  • Interleukin-4
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9