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Detection of interleukin-6 in human follicular fluid
R P Buyalos1, J M Watson, O Martinez-Maza
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center.
Insights
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is present in human follicular fluid after ovarian hyperstimulation. Follicular fluid IL-6 levels were higher than serum and did not differ between infertility causes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Infertility Research
Background:
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine involved in inflammation and immune responses.
- Its presence and role in human follicular fluid (FF) are not fully understood, particularly after ovarian stimulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if IL-6 is a normal component of human FF post-ovarian hyperstimulation.
- To investigate if IL-6 levels in FF vary in infertility conditions with potential immunological origins, such as antisperm antibodies and endometriosis.
Main Methods:
- Follicular fluid samples were collected from 30 women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) after ovarian hyperstimulation.
- Patients included those with antisperm antibodies, endometriosis, and tubal infertility (controls).
- IL-6 levels in FF were quantified using both bioassay and immunoassay.
Main Results:
- Both bioactive and immunoreactive IL-6 were detected in the FF of all subjects.
- FF IL-6 concentrations were significantly higher (3-30 fold) compared to reported serum levels.
- No significant differences in mean FF IL-6 levels were observed between patients with antisperm antibodies, endometriosis, or tubal infertility.
Conclusions:
- Bioactive and immunoreactive IL-6 are consistently found in human FF following ovarian hyperstimulation.
- These findings suggest a potential autocrine or paracrine function for IL-6 within the ovarian follicular microenvironment.
- IL-6 levels in FF do not appear to be significantly altered by common immunological causes of infertility like antisperm antibodies or endometriosis.
Objective:
To determine if interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a normal constituent of human follicular fluid (FF) after ovarian hyperstimulation and to assess whether IL-6 levels differ in conditions associated with immunological causes of infertility.
Design:
After ovarian hyperstimulation for an in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment cycle, FF samples were obtained at the time of oocyte retrieval.
Setting:
Referral center at a tertiary care hospital.
Patients:
Thirty women referred for IVF, including 10 patients with significant titers (greater than 40%) of antisperm antibodies and 10 with pelvic endometriosis. Ten patients with tubal infertility without antisperm antibodies or endometriosis served as controls.
Main Outcome Measures:
Analysis of FF levels for IL-6 using both bioassay and immunoassay.
Results:
Bioactive (range 0.32 to 32.2 U/mL) and immunoreactive (range 0.34 to 13.6 ng/mL) IL-6 levels were detected in FF of all subjects after ovarian hyperstimulation. Follicular fluid IL-6 levels were substantially higher (3 to 30-fold) than that reported in serum. There was no difference in the mean concentrations of IL-6 levels between patients with antisperm antibodies, endometriosis, or tubal infertility.
Conclusions:
Bioactive and immunoreactive IL-6 are present in human FF after ovarian hyperstimulation, supporting a potential autocrine or paracrine role within the follicular microenvironment.
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