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Published on: October 23, 2021
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Inflammation and Ovarian Function in Reproductive-Aged Women
Anneliese Long1,2, Anne Z Steiner3, Amanda L Thompson1,2,4
1Department of Anthropology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Summary
Inflammation, measured by C-reactive protein, is linked to lower levels of inhibin B and follicle-stimulating hormone in the early follicular phase. This suggests inflammation may impact ovarian function, but not necessarily diminished ovarian reserve.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Inflammation, a marker of immune activation, can affect ovarian and luteal function, crucial for pregnancy.
- Elevated inflammation may indicate ovarian dysfunction, potentially reflected in Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and inhibin B levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, and key ovarian function biomarkers (AMH, FSH, inhibin B) during the early follicular phase.
- To assess if inflammation correlates with diminished ovarian reserve.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of data from the Time to Conceive prospective cohort study (2008-2016).
- Included 703 women aged 30-44 years attempting pregnancy, with no history of infertility or relevant conditions.
- Measured serum CRP, AMH, FSH, and inhibin B during days 2-4 of the menstrual cycle.
Main Results:
- A 20% increase in CRP was associated with a decrease in inhibin B and FSH levels.
- No significant relationship was found between CRP and AMH or the odds of diminished ovarian reserve.
- A trend suggested a potential increase in AMH with higher CRP, though not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Inflammation, indicated by CRP, is associated with specific biomarkers of ovarian function (FSH, inhibin B) in the early follicular phase.
- The findings suggest a potential role for inflammation in modulating ovarian function.
- CRP levels were not significantly linked to diminished ovarian reserve in this cohort.
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