Association of Vitamin D Metabolites With Embryo Development and Fertilization in Women With and Without PCOS...

Objective: The relationship between fertilization rates and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)₂D₃), 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25(OH)D₂), 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D₃), 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25(OH)₂D₃), and 25-hydroxy-3epi-Vitamin D3 (3epi25(OH)D₃) concentrations in age and weight matched women with and without PCOS was studied. Methods: Fifty nine non-obese women, 29 with PCOS, and 30 non-PCOS undergoing IVF, matched for age and weight were included. Serum vitamin D metabolites were taken the menstrual cycle prior to commencing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Results: Vitamin D metabolites did not differ between PCOS and controls; however, 25(OH)D₃ correlated with embryo fertilization rates in PCOS patients alone (p = 0.03). For all subjects, 3epi25(OH)D₃ correlated with fertilization rate (p < 0.04) and negatively with HOMA-IR (p < 0.02); 25(OH)D₂ correlated with cleavage rate, G3D3 and blastocyst (p < 0.05; p < 0.009; p < 0.002, respectively). 24,25(OH)₂D₃ correlated with AMH, antral follicle count, eggs retrieved and top quality embryos (G3D3) (p < 0.03; p < 0.003; p < 0.009; p < 0.002, respectively), and negatively with HOMA-IR (p < 0.01). 1,25(OH)₂D₃ did not correlate with any of the metabolic or embryo parameters. In slim PCOS, 25(OH)D₃ correlated with increased fertilization rates in PCOS, but other vitamin D parameters did not differ to matched controls. Conclusion: 3epi25(OH)D₃, 25(OH)D₂, and 24,25(OH)₂D₃, but not 1,25(OH)₂D₃, were associated with embryo parameters suggesting that vitamin D metabolites other than 1,25(OH)₂D₃ are important in fertility.