[May GM-CSF influence the ability to fertilize oocytes?]

The aim of this work was to evaluate the concentration of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-1 beta IL-6 and TNF alpha in follicular fluid obtained from mature oocytes during in vitro fertilization scheme and to determine a correlation between GM-CSF concentration and the analyzed cytokines. Material consisted of 36 samples of follicular fluid which were divided into two groups: the first one--17 samples of follicular fluid obtained from follicles with successful oocyte fertilization and cleavage and the second one--19 samples of follicular fluid with unsuccessful fertilization. The concentration of GM-CSF as well as IL-6, IL-1 beta and TNF alpha in follicular fluid was evaluated by using the ELISA immunosorbent assays. The mean concentration of GM-CSF, IL-6, IL-1 beta was similar in both groups, however, the frequency of occurrence of these parameters as well as coexistence of GM-CSF with analyzed cytokines were higher in the second group i.e. in the follicular fluid with unsuccessful fertilization. We found a positive correlation between concentration of GM-CSF and IL-6 in follicular fluid of all samples. The authors suggested that activation of macrophages to an increased release of GM-CSF during disturbance of oocyte's maturation might implicate a relation between immune and endocrine systems with cytokine mediation.