Evaluation of Serum and Follicular Fluid Levels of Growth Hormone, IGFBP-3 and Estradiol in Assessing Oocytes Maturation and Embryo Development

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this prospective, selective clinical trial was to measure the concentrations of E2, GH and IGFBP-3 in serum and follicular fluids collected from infertile women undergoing Control ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) using two different preparations long agonist and antagonist protocol and their effects on oocytes maturation and embryo development.
Method: A total of 40 infertile women undergoing COH were included in this study, 20 with long agonist protocol and the other 20 with antagonist protocol. Serum and FF samples were obtained from patients at the day of oocytes retrieval.
Result: The FF concentration of GH was significantly higher in patients treated with antagonist than in those treated with agonist while no significant differences were found in serum level of GH as well as FF levels of E2 and IGFBP-3. Regarding the oocytes and embryo development no significant difference observed between antagonist and agonist protocols. Both serum and follicular concentration of E2 had positive effects on the total number of retrieved oocytes, mature oocytes, immature oocytes, and embryo quality. Follicular GH level affects the total number of retrieved oocytes, MII, and MI oocytes numbers. Follicular level of IGFBP-3 had significant effects on the MI oocytes number.
Conclusion: Serum and follicular levels of both E2 and GH plays an essential role in IVF outcome and subsequently embryo development while IGFBP-3 has a little effect on IVF parameters.