background: some studies propose that changes in leptin concentrations (above or under the normal range) result in infertility. therefore, we investigated serum and follicular fluid leptin concentrations in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (pcos). objective: to study serum and follicular fluid leptin concentrations in infertile women with pcos. materials and methods: we conducted ...

Experimental evidence suggests a tight relationship between cytokines and the reproductive system. Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), a cytokine produced by activated macrophages and mesenchymal cells, seems to participate in the control of fertility. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the concentrations of TNF alpha in the follicular fluid of female patients with im...

BACKGROUND It has been reported that the progesterone receptor (PR) level is transiently increased within the follicle by LH stimulation and controls cumulus cells in follicles and oocyte maturation. The purpose of this study was to predict developmental competence of human oocytes during IVF via analysis of PR in cumulus cells surrounding mature oocytes. METHODS Prior to oocyte retrieval, th...

BACKGROUND Luteinizing hormone (LH) activity in human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) preparations is derived from human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) rather than LH. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether there are similarities in the endocrine and follicular profiles of serum and follicular fluid from controlled ovarian stimulation with the recombinant gonadotropins follicle-stimulating hormon...

OBJECTIVE Adrenomedullin (AM) has diverse functions and is expressed in a variety of tissues. This study was conducted to investigate the expression of AM in the human ovary and its effect on progesterone production by human granulosa lutein cells. DESIGN AND METHODS Follicular fluid and blood samples were obtained at the time of oocyte retrieval from patients undergoing in vitro-fertilizatio...

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder. The roles of vitamin D in the regulation of metabolic modulations specifically involving insulin action and reproduction processing are introduced. In addition, obesity appears to be closely associated with severity of PCOS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of BMI on vitamin D levels in follicular...

A precise regulation of angiogenesis is a prerequisite for an adequate maturation of ovarian follicles. Despite the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by granulosa cells in antral follicles, angiogenesis is restricted to the theca cell layer. The maturing follicle remains avascular before ovulation, implying regulatory mechanisms which prevent premature follicular vasculari...

The objective of the present study was to evaluate changes in equine follicular fluid insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) proteolytic activity as well as steroid, IGF, and IGFBP concentrations during follicular development in the mare. Mares (n = 14) were classified as either in the follicular phase (n = 8) or luteal phase (n = 6). Follicles (n = 92) were categorized as small (6 ...

OBJECTIVE To determine follicular-fluid neurotrophin levels in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques for different etiologies of infertility. DESIGN Prospective observational study. SETTING Academically affiliated assisted reproductive techniques unit. PATIENT(S) One hundred six patients undergoing an IVF cycle for different etiologies of infertility. INTERVENTION(S) Assessm...

OBJECTIVE To investigate involvement of specific apolipoproteins in the process of human oocyte maturation and age-related infertility as molecular constituents of follicular fluid. DESIGN Laboratory-based observational study. SETTING Basic science laboratory at a large academic institution. PATIENT(S) Follicular fluid obtained from healthy women aged 18 to 45 years undergoing in vitro fe...