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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization
Published on: October 24, 2025
Follicular fluid vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations are increased during GnRH antagonist/FSH ovarian
B Ferrari1, A Pezzuto, L Barusi
1Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43100 Parma, Italy. bruno.ferrari@unipr.it
Background:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of GnRH antagonists (GnRH-ant) on follicular fluid vascular endothelial growth factor (FF VEGF).
Methods:
Sixty women undergoing assisted reproduction were randomised (computer-generated randomisation list) and assigned to two different GnRH analogue regimens: GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) (Group A; n = 30) and GnRH-ant (Group B; n = 30).
Results:
Mean (+/-S.D.) FF VEGF concentrations were 1598+/-612 pg/mL and 2906+/-1558 pg/mL for Groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.001). In the women treated with GnRH-ant, we found a statistically significant reduction in serum LH levels (1.72+/-0.74 IU/L in Group A versus 0.93+/-0.43 IU/L in Group B, p < 0.001), in serum oestradiol (E2) levels (1562.1+/-410.7 pg/mL in Group A versus 1214.67+/-779.9 pg/mL in Group B, p < 0.05), in FF E2 levels (1146+/-593 ng/mL in Group A versus 621+/-435 ng/mL in Group B, p < 0.05), and in FF androstenedione levels (136+/-55 ng/mL in Group A versus 78+/-31 ng/mL in Group B, p < 0.001), as well as a reduction in the number of pregnancies, though not statistically significant (23.3% in Group A versus 16.6% in Group B).
Conclusion:
The increase in FF VEGF levels in women treated with GnRH-ant might be explained by a suppression of LH and E2 levels.
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