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Life after liquorice: the link between cortisol and conception.
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK. t.michael@rfc.ucl.ac.uk
Reproductive Biomedicine Online
|January 30, 2004
Summary
Follicular fluid
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- In Vitro Fertilization
- Steroid Metabolism
Background:
- Follicular glucocorticoid metabolism by 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 betaHSD) is linked to IVF conception probability.
- Discrepancies exist regarding the predictive value of cortisol-cortisone interconversion measures.
- Follicular fluid contains regulators of ovarian 11 betaHSD activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of follicular fluid compounds regulating 11 betaHSD activity.
- To clarify the relationship between follicular cortisol:cortisone ratios and IVF success.
- To identify ovarian inhibitors and stimuli of 11 betaHSD associated with conception.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of follicular fluid composition.
- Measurement of cortisol:cortisone ratios.
- Correlation of enzyme regulators with IVF conception rates and embryo development potential.
Main Results:
- Cortisol:cortisone ratios increase with hydrophobic 11 betaHSD inhibitors in follicular fluid.
- Higher follicular cortisol:cortisone ratios correlate positively with oocyte and embryo developmental potential and conception probability.
- Conception via IVF-embryo transfer is linked to increased ovarian 11 betaHSD inhibitors and decreased stimuli.
Conclusions:
- Follicular fluid composition, specifically 11 betaHSD inhibitors and stimuli, influences IVF conception outcomes.
- Cortisol:cortisone ratios in follicular fluid are predictive of IVF success.
- Modulating ovarian 11 betaHSD activity may enhance IVF treatment efficacy.